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THE 


JOURNAL 


OP 

THE  STATED  PREACHER 

TO  THE 

HOSPITAL  AND  ALMSHOUSE, 

IN 

THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK, 

FOR  THE  YEAR  OF  OUR  LORD 

18  11. 

Ez- 

Bliss  is  a  being  of  celestial  birth, 

Which  lightly  o'er  primeval  Eden  trod, 

Ascended  at  the  fall,  nor  deign'd  the  earth 
A  transient  visit  with  the  Son  of  God 

:  my  v*w  )Dw  T\2)  ;r*  to1  nin' 
NEW-YORK : 

.PUBLISHED   BY    WHITING    AND    WATSON, 

NO.    96,   BROADWAY. 

J.  Seymour,  printer. 

1812, 


District  of  New-York,  ss. 

BE  ST  REMEMBERED,  that  on  the  twenty-lifih  day  of  August,  in  the 
thirty-seventh  year  of  the  independence  of  the  United  States  of  America, 
Ezra  Sales  Ely,  of  the  said  district,  hath  deposited  in  this  office  the  lit!-  of  a 
book,  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as  author,  in  the  words  and  figures  following, 
To  wit: 

The  Journal  of  the  Stated  Preacher  to  the  Hospital  and  Almshouse,  in  tftc  city 
ofHew-Tork,foi'theyearofour  Lord  1811. 

Bliss  is  a  being  of  celestial  birth, 

Which  lightly  o'er  primeval  Eden  trod. 

Ascended  at  the  fall,  nor  deign'd  the  earth 

A  transient  visk  with  the  Son  of  God. 

:  in?  v:y  iorv  riai  \va  id*  nnv 

In  conformity  to  the  Act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled  u  An 
Act  for  the  encouragement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  maps, 
charts,  and  books  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the 
time  therein  mentioned,"  And  also  to  an  Acr,  entitled  "  An  Act,  supplemen- 
tary to  an  Act,  entitled  an  Act  for  the  encouragement  ot  Lea-  nirig,  by  secur- 
ing the  copies  of  maps,  charts,  and  books  10  the  authors  and  proprietors  of 
such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned,  ar»d  extending  the  benefit* 
thereof  to  the  arts  of  designing,  engravinr,  and  etching  historical  and  other 
prints." 

CHARLES  CLINTON,  Clerk  of  the  District  cfNeivTork. 


PREFACE. 


The  author  of  the  following-  Journal,  u; 
now  happy  to  gratify  many  of  his  friend*, 
who  have  long*  urged  the  publication  of  it. 
To  all  those,  who  have  contributed  to  the 
propagation  of  the  Gospel  among  the  poor  of 
this  city,  it  is  respectfully  inscribed  ;  and 
particularly  to 

The  Rev.  John  B.  Romeyn,  D.  D. 
whose  indisposition  has  prevented  him  from 
performing  that  friendly  service  which  he 
promised,  of  introducing  this  work  to  the 
public.  He  has  ever  cherished  the  author 
in  his  ministerial  labours,  and  having  sym- 
pathised with  the  afflicted  poor,  was  deter- 
mined to  plead  their  cause.  His  benevolent 
heart  will  unite  with  me  in  gratitude  to  our 
inestimable  friend, 

The  Rev.  Philip  Milledoler,  D.  D. 
for  having'  performed  the  intended  labour  of 
love. 

To  be  insensible  to  the  commendations  of 
the  good,  would  be  unchristian.  The  author 
thanks  Dr.  Milledoler  for  his  favourable  sen- 
timents and  personal  friendship.  His  grate- 
fill  approbation,  however,  should  not  meet 


the  public  eye,  were  it  not  for  the  hope,  that 
the  Doctor's  address  will  prove  instrumental 
in  founding  a  society  for  the  support  of  the 
Gospel  in  the  Hospital  and  Almshouse, 
which  shall  be  as  lasting,  as  those  institutions. 
The  writer  may  express  this  hope,  without 
the  imputation  of  selfishness ;  for,  having 
performed  *)  a  tour  of  duty,"  he  would  wish 
to  retire,  and  give  place  to  some  more  valiant 
soldier  of  the  cross.  He-does  not  plead,  nor 
desire  others  to  plead,  for  himself.  Every 
motive  of  a  personal  nature,  which  presents 
Itself  to  his  mind,  urges  his  resignation ; 
and,  possibly,  it  might  promote  the  cause  of 
Christ,  to  maintain  such  a  rotation  in  the  Stated 
Preacher's  office,  as  would  give  many  young 
ministers  the  opportunity  of  becoming  fami- 
liar with  wretchedness  and  death.  "Itisgood 
for  a  man  that  he  bear  the  yoke  in  his  youth." 
The  writer  has,  therefore,  relinquished  all 
subscriptions  in  his  favour;  but  will  never 
cease  to  plead,  that  the  Gospel  may  be  preach- 
ed to  the  poor  within  our  cities — to  the  pa- 
gans who  sit  in  the  darkness  of  death — to 
"  every  creature." 


FREFATOHY  ADDRESS, 

To  the  Members  of  the  Presbyterian  and 
Reformed  Dutch  Churches,  in  the  city  of 
New  York, 

BY  PHILIP  MILLEBOLER,  D.  IX, 


Dear  Brethren, 

IT  is  well  known  to  many  of  you,  that 
the  Almshouse  and  Hospital  of  this  city 
were,  previously  to  the  year  1810,  in  a  very 
destitute  situation,  in  point  of  Gospel  privi- 
leges. Whilst  unremitting  care  has  been 
exercised  in  those  important  institutions,  for 
preserving*  the  lives  and  health  of  their  in- 
habitants, the  immortal  part,  uncherished  and 
uncultivated,  has  been  suffered  to  pine  away 
with  famine  of  the  word  of  God* 

The  attention  of  the  religious  public  has* 
for  some  time  past,  been  called  to  this  sub- 
ject, by  the  Rev.  Ezra  Stiles  Ely,  a  member 
of  the  Presbytery  of  New- York.  In  June, 
1810,  he  began  to  preach  in  the  Almshouse,, 
and  in  the  month  of  October,  of  the  same? 
year,  in  the  Hospital.  In  November  follow- 
ing, a  form  of  subscription  was  drafted,  and 
subscribed  by  a  number  of  individuals,  who 
were  principally  of  the  Presbyterian  and 
Dutch  communion  of  this  city,  for  the  main^ 
tenance  of  the  Gospel  in  those  places.  Mr 
Ely  was  retained  as  their  Stated  Preacher- 
1* 


and  lias  laboured  in  the  charge  assigned  him, 
from  that  time  to  the  present,  with  approved 
ability,  and  indefatigable  zeal. 

Of  the  nature  and  success  of  his  labours, 
some  estimate  may  be  formed  from  the  in- 
teresting journal  contained  in  this  book. 
The  writer  of  this  address  has  not  read  the 
whole  journal,  but  judges  from  what  he  has 
seen,  that  it  will  excite  greater  attention  to 
the  subject  of  which  it  treats,  than  has  ever 
yet  existed.  These  documents  prove  their 
author  to  have  taken  a  deep  interest  in  his- 
work.  They  prove  also,  with  overwhelming 
conviction,  the  importance  of  missionary  la- 
bour, in  those  asylums  of  wretchedness  and 
wo,  with  which  he  has  been  conversant. 

It  is  with  extreme  regret,  that  we  have 
witnessed  the  failure  of  pecuniary  resources 
in  the  prosecution  of  his  designs.  It  is  a 
fact,  however,  which  ought  not  to  be  con- 
cealed, although  he  has  requested  me  to  be 
silent  on  this  subject,  that  our  missionary  has 
hitherto  laboured  in  that  point,  under  the 
most  distressing  embarrassments.  Solely  de- 
pendant on  a  precarious  subscription,  which 
he  has  now  entirely  relinquished,  his  receipts 
have  never  exceeded  half  the  necessary  sup- 
port of  a  single  man.  For  want  of  proper 
arrangements  at  the  outset,  he  has  been  un- 
der the  disagreeable  necessity  of  being  his 
own  solicitor,  accountant,  and  collector. 
Having  commenced  his  labours  under  a  plan 
radically  defective,  he  has  submitted  to  all 
jhe  evils  growing  out  of  it;  and  for  two 


years  has  faithfully  preached  Jesus  Christ 
and  him  crucified,  in  the  Almshouse,  and 
for  the  same  time,  lacking  only  a  few  days, 
in  the  Hospital. 

Shall  an  object  of  such  magnitude  as  this, 
my  brethren,  in  such  a  city  as  this,  be  aban- 
doned, or  even  suspended,  for  want  of  pecu- 
niary aid?  Great  as  it  is  in  its  present  and 
eternal  consequences,  shall  it  be  suffered  to 
languish  and  die  under  our  eyes  ?  No,  it  is 
hoped  and  believed  that  it  will  not  be  aban- 
doned. 

That  efficient  measures  should  be  taken 
for  the  continuance  of  the  Gospel  in  those 
institutions,  will  appear, 

1st.  From  the  importance  of  the  object. 

By  the  last  report  of  the  Superintendent  of 
the  Almshouse,  there  were  1409  persons  de- 
pendant on  that  institution.  Of  this  number 
it  is  supposed  that  800  at  least  are  capable 
of  receiving  religious  instruction.  The  Hos- 
pital admits  not  less  than  a  thousand  differ- 
ent patients  in  the  course  of  each  year ;  some 
of  these  remain  a  few  weeks,  and  others 
several, months.  Two  hundred  persons,  on 
an  average,  annually  die  in  the  two  institu- 
tions. What  a  field  of  labour  does  this  offer 
to  a  faithful  ministry  !  Here  are  some  insane 
persons,  in  whose  case  the  prudent  converse 
of  a  spiritual  physician,  may  advantageously 
second  the  efforts  of  medical  skill.  Here 
many  children  need  instruction,  who,  without 
it,  might  become  the  future  pests  of  society, 
Here  are  pious  souls,  oppressed  with  pover- 


a 

» 

ty  and  disease,  who  hail  the  approach  of  a 
minister  of  Jesus,  with  almost  as  much  joy 
and  gratitude,  as  if  he  were  an  angel  from 
heaven.  There  are  doubtless  some,  who 
enter  these  institutions  with  minds  shrouded 
in  ignorance,  and  hearts  hardened  in  sin : 
to  them,  how  necessary  is  it  that  divine  in- 
struction should  be  communicated,  and  one 
more  effort  made  to  snatch  them  from  perdi- 
tion. Such  an  attempt  is  intercepting  them 
on  the  very  borders  of  destruction.  What- 
ever may  be  the  issue,  it  is  interesting,  it  is 
rational,  it  is  godlike.  That  men  are  often 
called  to  repentance  by  afflictive  dispensa- 
tions of  Providence,  who  will  deny  ?  When 
their  bodies  are  wasting  with  disease,  or  their 
souls  sinking  in  despondence,  dark  is  that 
mind  which  does  not  anticipate  futurity,  and 
hard  that  heart  which  is  uninfluenced  by  the 
Gospel.  There  are  such  characters,  we  know ; 
but  on  the  other  hand,  are  there  not  many 
who  will  have  eternal  cause  to  rejoice  in 
afflictions,  sanctified  by  grace  to  their  salva- 
tion ? 

To  extend  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation,  is 
a  great  christian  duty  ;  and  the  true  disci- 
ples of  Jesus  every  where  acknowledge  it. 
To  fulfil  this  duty,  missionary  societies  have 
been  formed  in  our  own  country,  as  well  as 
in  Europe.  Distant  missions  to  the  heathen 
have  been  planned  and  executed.  That 
Spirit  which  has  deplored  their  situation,  and 
attempted  their  relief,  we  honour  and  rejoice 
ki>    But  shall  we  neglect  missionary  ground 


9 

under  our  eye,  and  at  cur  very  doors ?  Whilst 
we  explore  tar  distant  region 
labour,  shall  we  pass  oter  r  own  fields, 
which  are  whitening-  to  the  harvest?  The 
wisdom  of  such  conduct  is  exceedingly  ques- 
tionable. The  soul  of  a  pauper  in  he  Alms- 
house of  New-York,  is  as  valuable,  as  the 
soul  of  an  Indian  on  the  banks  of  the  Ganges. 
Whilst  our  eyes  then  are  turned  to  the  distant 
harvest  fields,  let  us  not  leave  our  own  un- 
cultivated, or  on gathered. 

To  urge  the  necessity  of  immediate  atten- 
tion to  this  subject,  I  would  observe, 

2dly.  That  if  any  thing  is  done,  it  must 
be  done  by  individuals. 

Benefactions  of  a  public  or  private  nature, 
may  hereafter  forward  this  work  of  charity  ; 
but  the  foundation  of  it  must  be  laid  in  in- 
dividual enterprise.  It  is  doubted  whether 
the  Corporation  of  this  city  have  power  to 
appropriate  any  part  of  their  funds  for  the 
support  of  a  religious  instructor  in  the  Alms- 
house. If  they  have  not,  it  cannot  be  ex- 
pected ;  if  they  have,  they  may  wish  to  avoid 
the  charge  of  partiality  to  a  particular  de- 
nomination. 

Jealousy  between  different  denominations, 
in  a  case  like  this,  never  has,  and  we  have 
reason  to  believe  from  the  nature  of  it,  never 
will,  appear.  Be  this  however  as  it  may, 
something  should  be  done  for  the  relief  of 
these  institutions,  as  soon  as  possible.  We 
acknowledge  it  as  a  just  principle,  that  pri- 
vileges extended  to  one  denomination,  should 


10 

be  equally  allowed  to  others ;  and  that  favours 
conferred  on  one,  should  be  common  to  all. 
As  we,  therefore,  arrogate  to  ourselves  no 
exclusive  privilege,  none  can  have  a  right  to 
complain. 

It  may  be  supposed  by  some,  that  if  the 
clergy  should  visit  those  institutions  in  their 
turn,  it  would  supersede  the  necessity  of 
employing*  a  missionary.  Such  an  objection, 
if  made,  is  founded  in  ignorance  of  the  situ- 
ation of  the  clergy,  as  well  as  of  the  duties 
to  be  performed  by  such  a  missionary.  The 
writer  of  this  address  is  persuaded  that  the 
ministers  of  the  Gospel  in  this  city,  are  dis- 
posed to  do  their  duty  ;  but  he  also  knows 
that  a  faithful  observance  of  duties  in  their 
own  charges  is  enough,  and  in  many  instan- 
ces more  than  enough,  to  occupy  their  whole 
time  and  attention.  Such  of  the  laity  as  are 
best  acquainted  with  ecclesiastical  affairs, 
know  this  statement  to  be  correct.  But  again, 
if  they  are  to  preach  in  those  institutions, 
they  ought  to  officiate  on  the  sabbath,  and 
must  consequently  leave  their  own  churches 
un supplied.  But  occasional  preaching  is  not 
the  whole,  nor  even  a  principal  part  of  what 
is  to  be  done  in  those  institutions.  The  per- 
son  charged  with  the  spiritual  care  of  them, 
should  be  daily  at  his  post.  To  form  an  ac- 
quaintance with  his  charge,  to  know  their 
characters,  to  exhort  and  rebuke  with  all 
long-suffering  and  gentleness,  to  dry  away 
the  tears  of  the  afflicted,  to  pour  oil  and  wine 
jiilo  the  festering  wounds  of  the  broken  heart- 


H 

etl  mourner,  to  counsel  and  pray  with  the 
dying',  and  daily  to  preach  from  ward  to 
ward,  and  from  conch  to  couch,  Jesus  and 
the  resurrection — these  are  a  specimen  of 
the  labours  of  a  missionary  in  those  houses; 
and  if  this  be  not  done,  the  object  to  be  ac- 
complished, is  not,  and  cannot  be,  attained. 

Can  all  these  duties  be  performed  by  the 
stationed  pastors  of  this  city  ?  No,  it  is  im- 
possible ;  they  may  mourn  over  the  omission, 
but  they  cannot  supply  it.  Abundantly  fur- 
nished with  the  means  of  grace  for  ourselves, 
brethren,  are  we  not  called  by  every  consi- 
deration that  can  influence  the  human  mind, 
Jo  extend  these  blessings  to  the  poor,  the 
destitute,  and  the  friendless?  It  is  charac- 
teristical  of  the  Gospel,  that  it  should  be 
preached  to  the  poor ;  and  shall  we  suffer 
them  to  starve  at  our  doors  for  the  bread  of 
life?  Can  we  excuse  it  to  our  consciences, 
or  can  we  answer  it  to  our  God  ?  "  Freely 
ye  have  received,  freely  give,"  was  a  com- 
mand of  Christ  to  his  disciples;  a  command 
which  will  apply  to  us,  in  relation  to  this  sub- 
ject, with  peculiar  emphasis.  The  members 
of  Christ  may  suffer,  but  they  are  his  mem- 
bers still ;  and  let  us  not  forget  that  what  is 
done  for  the  least  of  these  his  brethren  in 
tribulation,  he  will  graciously  consider  as 
done  unto  himself. 

You  will  undoubtedly  pardon  the  author  of 
this  address,  brethren,  for  the  liberty  he  has 
taken.  He  has  feit  himself  constrained  to 
be  urgent  on  this  subject.     The  object  held 


12 

up  to  your  view,  he  considers  of  incalcula- 
ble importance,  and  deprecates  the  idea  of 
its  abandonment.  He  knows  there  are  many 
claims  on  your  liberality,  but  who  among 
you  is  the  poorer  for  them  all  ?  We  live  in 
troublous  times,  but  shall  we  therefore  cease 
to  live  actively  for  Christ  ?  If  what  has  been 
said,  shall  have  a  tendency  to  draw  your  at- 
tention to  this  subject,  he  will  think  it  an 
honour  to  associate  with  such  as  may  wish 
to  carry  it  into  effect.  And  if  he  can  be  in 
any  wise  instrumental  in  fixing  the  Gospel 
on  a  permanent  foundation  in  those  institu- 
tions, he  will  consider  it  as  one  of  the  hap- 
piest events  of  his  life. 

That  it  may  please  God  in  all  things  to 
direct  you,  and  that  grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 
from  God  our  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ/may  be  multiplied  to  you  and  yours, 
is  the  prayer  of, 

Dear  brethren, 

Your  friend  and  servant  in  the  Lord, 

PH.  MILLEDOLER 

New-Yorh,  Sept.  16th,  1812. 


THE 

JOURNAL, 


January  1st,  A.  D.  1811. 

st  _— He  that  finds 

44  One  drop  of  Heav'n's  sweet  mercy  in  his  cup, 
44  Can  dig,  beg,  rot,  and  perish,  well  content, 
"  So  he  may  wrap  himself  in  honest  rags, 
"  At  his  last  gasp."  Cowper. 

Since  the  first  of  October  last,  the  patients  in  the 
Hospital  have  had  the  opportunity  of  hearing  one 
discourse  on  every  Lord's  day.  Out  of  the  two 
hundred  persons  in  this  institution,  about  half  have 
been  sufficiently  restored  to  health  to  attend  public 
worship.  All  pay  a  decent,  many  a  solemn,  and 
some  a  devout,  attention  to  the  preached  Gospel. 
Several  persons,  by  their  dying  convictions  and 
anxieties,  have  excited  a  deep  interest  ia  my  heart ; 
but  since  I  did  not  then  write  a  description  of  their 
last  glimmerings,  I  shall  not  now  attempt  it.  Ir  fu- 
ture, some  of  the  most  interesting  cases  whicl  pre- 
sent themselves  shall  be  recorded  in  "  the  short,  and 
simple  annals  of  the  poor." 

Previous  to  this  date,  I  have  delivered  twoniy- 
three  discourses  in  the  Almshouse.  The  poor  in 
this  Institution  throng  the  places  of  public  worship : 
and  rarely  have  I  had  the  pleasure  of  witnessing,  ra 


14 

any  audience,  more  lively  gratitude  for  the  glorious 
Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God.  Most  assemblies,  from 
the  frequency  of  preaching,  and  from  the  circum- 
stance of  their  supporting  the  ministry,  appear  to 
consider  the  messages  of  grace  a  matter  of  course; 
and  ministers  of  reconciliation,  servants  sold  to  dis- 
charge a  pecuniary  debt :  but  these  poor  people  con- 
sider every  exhibition  of  divine  compassion  to  be 
really  a  gratuitous  offering  on  the  part  of  God.  To 
them  the  Gospel  is  a  gift  to  which  they  have  no 
claim,  and  for  which  many  of  them  bless  the  grace 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

In  some  instances,  I  am  constrained  to  believe, 
that  the  ministration  of  the  word  has  been  accompa- 
nied by  a  divine  and  saving  influence.  Some  have 
been  convinced  of  sin;  some  aged  believers  com- 
forted ;  and,  I  trust,  some  converted.  At  present, 
I  will  simply  state  the  case  of  three  persons ;  and  in 
future,  record  events  as  they  pass,  or  leave  them  in 
obscurity  until  the  revelation  of  the  last  day. 

An  aged  woman  was  often  visited,  and  instructed 
in  the  things  which  appertain  to  a  sinner's  peace. 
For  three  or  four  days,  with  the  intermission  of  only 
a  few  moments,  besides  those  of  sleep,  she  would  ex- 
claim, "  O  Lord  Jesus !  lama  vile  sinner :  I  de- 
serve hell;  but,  Oh!  pardon  me!  pardon  all  my 
sins !  Lord  Jesus,  I  come  to  thee,  I  confess  to  thee, 
I  trust  in  thee :"  and  with  these  expressions  on  her 
lips,  she  died. 

A  young  man  of  about  twenty-seven  years  of 
age,  was  visited  in  his  last  sickness.  When  I  ap- 
proached him,  he  was  convulsed  with  coughing,  which 


15 

wa3  excited  in  part  by  the  smoke  of  a  very  offensive 
pipe,  which  an  old  man  was  using  in  a  distant  part  of 
the  room.  The  sick  man  told  me  he  should  soon  re- 
cover, could  he  be  delivered  from  that  tormenting 
smoke.  His  lungs,  however,  were  affected  by  some- 
thing worse  than  the  fumes  of  tobacco.  At  my  re- 
proof, and  request,  the  pipe  was  abandoned,  and  all 
who  were  in  the  room  drew  around  the  sick  man's 
bed  to  listen  to  our  discourse.  For  a  time,  the 
young  man  was  determined  that  he  would  recover, 
and  flattered  himself,  as  people  commonly  do,  whose 
vitals  are  withering  with  the  consumption.  Frankly 
I  told  him  that  I  saw  the  presage  of  death  in  his 
eyes.  "  "What  do  you  see  in  my  eyes  ?"  demanded 
he,  and  turning  his  face  from  me,  covered  it  from 
observation.  "  They  are  glossy :  but  whether  you 
live  or  die,  it  is  desirable  that  you  should  know  the 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  gave  himself  to 
death  for  the  redemption  of  enemies.  He  died  for 
sinners ;  for  such  sinners  as  we  are  ;  and  with  a  de- 
sire that  3  ou  should  be  saved  by  him,  I  come  to 
speak  of  Jesus.  But  I  would  not  impose  my  dis- 
course upon  you."  He  turned  his  face  to  me  again, 
but  would  not  admit  that  he  might  soon  die.  I  at- 
tempted to  convince  him  of  sin,  and  of  the  right- 
eousness which  is  in  Christ,  He  requested  me  to 
pray  for  him ;  and  after  prayer  was  offered,  I  had 
the  satisfaction,  siveet  and  mournful  to  the  soul,  of 
hearing  him,  who  had  sedulously  excluded  the  thoughts 
of  death  and  judgment  from  his  mind,  confess, 
"  Well !  I  am  a  sinner  I  O  I  am  a  sinner !"  This 
he  repeated  three  times,  with   such  peculiarity  of 


16 

emphasis,  as  to  convince  all  present,  that  the  confes- 
sion had  never  before  escaped  from  his  lips.  I  saw 
him  no  more ;  for  soon  after  this  interview  he  de- 
parted from  the  earth. 

The  last  case  which  I  shall  state,  is  that  of  an 
aged  woman,  who  for  three  or  four  weeks,  while  at- 
tending to  the  concerns  of  her  own  soul,  was  in 
wretchedness,  little  inferior  to  that  of  despair.  When 
she  heard  the  word  of  God,  she  trembled  like  a  cri- 
minal receiving  the  sentence  of  condemnation.  She 
was  an  object  of  pity  to  all  who  knew  her,  and 
could  feel  sympathy  with  the  miserable.  She  was 
fervently  remembered  in  prayer,  by  those  who  per- 
sonally knew  the  joys  of  pardoned  sin.  Formerly 
she  had  entertained  hope  of  acceptance  with  God ; 
but  she  had  departed  from  her  Comforter,  and  now 
she  was  the  prey  of  a  guilty  conscience.  While 
she  was  in  this  situation,  I  was  prevailed  upon  by 
some  sick  persons  to  preach  once  more  than  usual  in 
the  week.  For  this  third  discourse  I  had  selected  a 
subject,  and  was  prepared  to  speak,  but  did  not  com- 
mit even  the  text  to  paper.  While  on  my  way  to 
the  place  of  worship,  I  reviewed  my  plan,  and  thought 
vI  retained  it  perfectly.  But  in  the  prayer  before 
sermon,  the  words  of  the  apostle,  recorded  in  Ro- 
mans v.  1 .  took  possession  of  my  whole  soul.  "  There- 
fore, being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with 
God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  My  former 
text,  and  the  whole  arrangement  of  thought,  were 
gone  from  me.  The  attempt  to  find  the  place,  and 
recall  the  perfectly  familiar  subject,  was  vain.  This 
^ras  a  sufficient  intimation  of  my  duty?  and  by  divine 


17 

assistance,  I  descanted  freely  on  justification  by  faith. 
and  that  peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  which  results  from  it.  While  speaking,  I  did 
not  know  that  this  distressed  woman  was  present ; 
but  when  about  to  leave  the  room,  she  arose  from 
her  humble  seat  behind  the  door,  detained  me  by 
holding  my  coat,  and  then,  clasping  my  hands,  wet 
them  with  tears.  She  would  have  spoken,  but  seem- 
ed unable.  "  This  woman,"  I  said,  turning  to  a 
judicious  friend,  who  had  accompanied  me  to  judge 
of  the  expediency  of  preaching  the  Gospel  in  this 
place,  "  is  the  person  of  whose  deep  convictions  of 
sin  I  have  often  told  you."  "  O  yes,  sir !"  she  ex- 
claimed, with  inexpressible  emotions,  "  and  I  feel 
myself  as  wicked  now,  as  I  did  then.  I'm  a  poor 
vile  sinner ;  but  I  think,  being  justified  by  faith,  I 
begin  again  to  have  peace  with  God,  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ."  "  Bo  you  perceive,"  it  was 
asked,  "  that  God  can  be  just  in  justifying  the  un- 
godly, who  believe ;  and  is  Christ  precious  to  you  V' 
She  replied,  "  I  think  Christ  has  now  got  the  highest 
place  in  my  heart,  and,  O,  I  pray  Cot,  he  would  aye 
keep  him  there !"  My  companion,  as  well  as  myself, 
was  rendered  speechless,  by  the  tenderness  of  her 
love  to  Jesus ;  and  we  passed  away,  under  the  full 
conviction,  if  not  the  exhilarating  impression,  that 
unto  those  who  believe,  He  is  precious. 

January  5th. 

**  This  is  the  desert,  this  the  solitude  ; 
"  How  populous,  how  vital  is  the  grave  !'*' 

Young. 
THIS  afternoon,  a  dying  man  at  the  Hospital 
2  * 


18 

sent  a  request  to  see  me.  I  went  immediately ;  but 
it  was  too  late  for  a  spiritual  physician  to  learn  any 
of  the  peculiar  symptoms  of  his  spiritual  malady. 
With  all  his  exertions  he  could  not  speak.  In  such 
a  case,  what  could  be  done,  but  make  a  general  appli- 
cation of  the  Balm  of  Gilead  1  I  addressed  him  as  a 
sinner,  in  the  last  hour  of  life,  with  this  instigation 
to  faithfulness ;  "  he  will  very  soon  give  an  account 
of  this  Interview  to  God."  He  signified  that  he 
wished  me  to  pray.  After  I  had  complied  with  his 
desire,  I  turned  my  attention  to  eight  or  ten  misera- 
ble companions  in  sickness,  who  could  not  probably 
long  survive  the  death  of  the  departing  person. 
They  felt  for  him,  but  were  almost  unconcerned  for 
themselves.  They  calculated  upon  recovery.  How 
lamentably  true  is  the  declaration, 

"  All  men  think  all  men  mortal  but  themselves  !" 

In  half  an  hour  after  I  left  the  house,  the  sick  man 
died ;  and  in  the  same  afternoon,  two  other  patients 
followed  to  the  state  of  the  dead. 

January  6th. 

"  How  many  fall  as  sudden,  not  as  safe  ; 

"  As  sudden,  though  for  years  admonish'd  home. 

*'  Of  human  ills,  the  last  extreme  beware, 

**  Beware,  Lorenzo,  a  slow-sudden  death. 

V  How  dreadful  that  deliberate  surprise  ! 

■•  Be  wise  to-day  ;  'tis  madness  to  defer." 

Young. 
IN  the  morning  of  this  day,  the  Rev.  Mr.  A. 
preached  for  me  in  the  Hospital ;  and  after  divine 
Service  I  visited  several  rooms,  where  were  patients 
on  the  border  of  the  grave.  In  the  afternoon  I 
preached  in  the  Almshouse,     There   a  woman  of 


19 

middle  age  lay  before  me,  who  had  been  moral  in 
deportment,  industrious  in  the  office  of  an  upper  ser- 
vant, but  who  in  a  decline  of  eighteen  months,  had 
expended,  on  many  physicians,  all  which  her  indus- 
try had  accumulated,  for  the  probable  wants  of  de- 
crepitude. About  five  weeks  since  she  was  brought 
into  this  place,  to  rest  for  a  short  space  on  the  arm 
of  public  charity,  and  then  sink  into  the  common 
grave.  I  have  been  acquainted  with  her  ever  since 
her  residence  in  this  Asylum  for  poverty  and  wretch- 
edness. Twice  I  have  preached  in  her  hearing, 
and  often  prayed  with  her.  At  each  time  she  had 
perfect  possession  of  her  reason,  and  appeared  to 
understand  my  discourse.  A  few  days  since,  after 
I  had  prayed  with  her,  she  uttered  a  sentence  which 
deserves  to  be  remembered. 

"  I  desire  to  bless  and  praise  my  God  for  all  his 
chastisements;  and  especially,  I  bless  him,  painful 
as  my  sickness  is,  and  mortifying  as  it  was  to  come 
to  the  poor-house,  that  he  has  brought  me  to  this 
place,  since  within  these  walls,  as  within  the  wails  of 
a  prison,  I  have  been  shut  up  to  the  Gospel,  and 
have  for  the  first  time  in  my  life,  heard  the  good 
news  with  joy."  She  uttered  these  words  with 
painful  respiration,  in  a  whisper,  and  was  necessiated 
to  make  a  long  pause  after  each  member  of  the  sen- 
tence. It  was  astonishing  that  she  could,  in  her 
weak  state,  utter  so  long  a  sentence,  with  such  ac- 
curacy and  pith.  What  could  she  have  said,  to  ex- 
press more  strongly  her  high  estimation  of  the  Gos- 
pel? "  Had  I  not  been  sent  here,  against  my  will," 
she  added,    "  I  might   never   have   known   Jesus 


20 

Christ."  To-day  she  was  far  gone,  but  still  retained 
her  mental  powers.     When  we  sung  these  words. 

"  I  yield  my  powers  to  thy  command, 
"  To  thee  I  consecrate  my  days  ; 
"  Perpetual  blessings  from  thy  hand, 
"  Demand  perpetual  songs  of  praise  :" 

she  lifted  up  her  hands  to  heaven,  clasped  them,  let 
them  fall  on  her  bosom,  and  swooned.  After  public 
worship  was  concluded,  she  was  so  much  revived,  as 
to  express  a  wish  to  see  me.  I  approached  her  bed. 
She  made  great  exertions  to  speak,  but  I  could  only 

hear  her  say,  "  I  feel  differently at  times.  — - 

—  I'm  afraid  that  I  deceive  myself."  This  fear  I 
told  her  was  an  evidence  that  she  did  not  trust  in 
herself.  "  He  that  trusteth  in  his  own  heart  is  a 
a  fool."  She  was  less  likely  to  be  deluded  than  self- 
confident  persons.  When  I  bade  her  farewell,  she 
stretched  out  her  hand  to  me,  and  pressing  mine, 

said,  "  pray  — pray  for  me." 

January  9th.  When  I  left  the  trembling  believer, 
on  the  last  sabbath,  I  bade  her  a  final  farewell,  in- 
forming her  that  I  should  see  her  no  more  until  we 
meet  at  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ.  At  three 
o'clock  this  morning,  she  fell  asleep.  She  had  been 
baptized  in  her  infancy,  was  a  regular  attendant  on 
Trinity  Church,  and  lived,  as  the  world  say,  w  a 
good,  moral  life."  During  several  weeks,  she  ap- 
peared to  possess  "  a  broken  and  contrite  heart." 
May  it  not  be  reasonably  supposed  that  she  sleeps 
in  Jesus  ?  Should  one  soul  be  saved  in  the  course  of 
a  year's  service,  I  shall  be  compensated,  and  those 
benevolent  persons  who  contribute  to  my  support 
will  not  lose  their  reward. 


21 


January  10th. 

"  See  the  dim  lamp  of  life  just  feebly  lift 
4#  An  agonizing  beam,  at  us  to  gaze, 
"  Then  sink  again,  and  quiver  into  death, 
"  The  most  pathetic  herald  of  our  own." 

^  Yo  D  k  c. 

AFTER  preaching  this  evening  to  the  poor  in 
the  Almshouse,  I  went  by  request  to  pray  with 
two  females,  who  have  attended  on  my  ministry,  and 
are  now  confined  to  their  beds.  One  is  an  aged  wi- 
dow, who  is  pious,  and  who,  I  believe,  will  recover, 
to  limp  along  through  life,  on  two  crutches,  to  ever- 
lasting glory.  She  will  recover,  to  suffer  more  pain, 
and  peddle  pin-cushions  to  procure  some  of  the  con- 
veniences of  life,  which  cannot  be  distributed  in 
public  Almshouses.  O !  it  is  astonishing  that  the 
heirs  of  heaven  should  be  found  in  such  circum- 
stances ;  that  the  friends  of  Jesus,  who  are  to  share 
the  felicity  of  heaven  with  him,  should  be  made  meet 
for  glory,  through  extreme  humiliation  ! 

The  other  person  is  a  younger  widow,  whose  hands 
and  feet,  having  been  frozen,  are  now  in  the  state  of 
progressive  putrefaction.  She  sent  me  a  message, 
requesting  me  to  visit  her ;  but  it  was  apparently  in 
vain.  Her  agony  was  unutterable.  Her  eyes 
were  swollen,  and  horribly  wild,  as  if  ready  to  burst 
frcm  their  sockets.  I  asked  if  I  should  pray  with 
her,  and  she  shrieked  out,.  "  O  yes  !  yes  !  yes  !"  but 
while  I  spake,  her  agony  and  groans  mtfct  have  ex- 
cluded both  hearing  and  reflection.  Such  an  hour 
of  human  misery  as  thh,  I  never  before  Witnessed. 
But  if  such  are  the  torments  cf  this  life,  what  must 


22 

be  the  excruciating  agonies  of  the  accursed  in  the 
life  everlasting?    . 

Friday,  January  llth.  At  the  moment  of  my 
entering  the  Hospital,  this  morning,  D***n  died. 
Intemperance  in  drinking  was  the  cause  of  his  pre- 
mature death.  About  three  weeks  since  he  lost  his 
appetite,  and  continued  to  drink  for  several  days, 
until  he  could  retain  nothing  on  his  stomach.  While 
he  was  a  servant  in  the  Institution,  the  superintend* 
ent  often  warned  and  entreated  him.  He  denied 
that  excess  was  the  cause  of  his  sickness ;  but  when 
he  found  that  he  must  die,  he  became  greatly  alarm- 
ed, and  confessed  the  sin  of  slow  and  certain  sui- 
cide. Since  his  last  sickness,  I  have  once  preached 
in  the  ward  where  he  lay,  and  sung  the  107th  psalm, 
third  part,  of  Dwight's  edition.  The  second  verse 
was  a  probe  which  reached  to  his  heart ;  but  it  was 
necessary. 

"  The  drunkard  feels  his  vitals  waste, 

"  Yet  drowns  his  health  to  please  his  taste; 

"  'Till  all  his  active  powers  are  lost, 

"  And  fainting  life  draws  near  the  dust.'' 

I  could  not  serve  the  dead,  and  therefore  I  direct- 
ed my  attention  to  the  living.  Mrs.  B.  B.  desired 
to  see  me.  She  is  a  woman  of  too  fair  a  face  and 
form  for  any  one  to  possess  in  this  licentious  city, 
who  is  not,  by  a  refined  education,  or  by  the  fear  of 
God,  guarded  against  temptation.  Such  has  been 
her  conduct,  that  her  husband  has  some  time  since 
refused  to  protect  her.  When  I  approached  the 
unhappy  woman,  she  began  to  weep  aloud,  and  ap- 
peared to  see  in  me  the  messenger  of  death,  instead 


23 

of  a  minister  of  peace.  She  has  probably  seen  the 
ministers  of  Jesus  at  the  bed  of  death,  and  in  few 
other  places.  "  O  sir,  it  is  too  late  for  me  now !  I 
have  rejected  religion,  and  it's  too  late  now !"  Such 
were  her  exclamations.  They  induced  me  to  state 
the  character  and  faith  of  Mary  Magdalen,  and  the 
penitent  thief.  "  The  hour  of  sickness  is  indeed  a 
miserable  time  to  transact  the  business  of  eternity; 
but  while  life  remains,  it  is  never  too  late  to  consider, 
believe,  repent,  and  escape  to  the  Ark  of  a  sinner's 
safety."  She  promised  to  pray.  Should  she  really 
pray  for  mercy,  she  will  be  saved. 

The  Asylum  for  maniacs,  in  this  city,  is  an  ap- 
pendage to  the  New- York  Hospital.     Both  Institu- 
tions are  under  the  same  honourable  Governors,  and 
the  same  Superintendent.     Consider  them  both  as 
one  establishment,  and  one  more  benevolent,  or  bet- 
ter regulated,  for  the  rehef  of  the  sick  and  insane, 
cannot  be   found  in   America.     The   A  sylum  was 
opened  for  the  reception  of  patients  on  July  15th, 
A.  D.  1808.     Yesterday  it  became  the  asylum  of 
Miss  L^*^*,  who  may   never  leave   it,  until  she 
takes  her  silent  departure  to  the  grave.     The  cir- 
cumstances which  produced  her  insanity  are  inter- 
esting.    She  was  born  in  England,  and  last  week  ar- 
rived in  New- York.     Her  mother,  with  four  chil- 
dren, of  whom  this  young  lady,  of  about  eighteen 
years  of  age,  is  the  eldest,  came  to  this  country  in 
in  pursuit  of  her  husband.     On  the  passage,  Miss 
L####  was  much  reduced  by  the  sickness  incident 
to  a  long  voyage.     In  addition  to  this,  there  were  in 
|he  ship's  company  two  comedians,  who  played  a 


24 

very  censurable  farce ;  which  may  terminate  more 
tragically  than  they  would  wish.  What  were  their 
motives  I  know  not ;  but  the  part  they  acted  shall 
be  recorded  to  their  infamy.  Shortly  before  their 
arrival  in  this  country,  these  "  teachers  of  morality" 
by  mimicry,  ornamented  themselves  with  the  glory 
of  their  art,  masks  and  touchwood ;  and  with  the 
disguise,  or  in  the  real  character  of  villains,  entered 
the  female  apartment  in  the  darkness  of  midnight. 
Miss  L****  was  aroused  from  her  feverish  slum- 
bers, and  frightened  into  paroxysms,  of  frequent  re- 
turn, and  long  continuance.  She  had  not  recovered 
from  these  fits,  when  she  landed  in  America.  Then 
they,  who  sought  a  husband  and  a  father,  had  to 
learn,  that  a  few  days  since  he  embarked  for  England. 
Such  was  the  anxiety  of  the  eldest  daughter,  for  her- 
self, for  her  mother,  and  her  sisters,  that  while  the 
mother  was  gone  to  the*  theatre  with  the  newly  im- 
ported actors,  and  the  daughter  was  left  in  a  strange 
boardirg-house,  in  a  strange  land,  her  fits  returned, 
and  a  delirium  supervened.  She  is  now  so  frantic, 
as  to  be  confined  to  the  maniac's  chair.  Consolation 
cannot  be  offered ;  but  the  hearts  that  feel  can  pray 
that  the  God  of  mercy  would  pity  the  lost  female 
maniac. 

As  for  these  actors,  it  is  their  trade  to  beguile  the 
people  of  their  senses,  or  frighten  them  to  madness. 
I  would  ask  the  wise,  If  these  mischievous  lunatics 
ou^ht  to  go  at  large  ?  Could  one  of  these  comedians 
take  Miss  L*###,s  place,  a:>.d  deliver  her  from  the 
strait  waistcoat,  it  would  be  a  m'l  retribution.  la  the 
Asylum  are  many  persons  not  more  insane  than  those 


who,  during  the  present  season,  support  a  drunken 
buffoon,  to  the  tune  of  fourteen  thousand  dol- 
lars per  annum.  Any  sober  countryman  will 
pronounce  this  as  incredible,  as  that  a  Frenchman  in 
yonder  walls  should  believe  every  dirty  scroll  of  pa- 
per which  he  finds,  either  a  bank-note,  or  obligation 
in  his  favour.  Both  cases  of  delirium,  however,  ac- 
tually exist. 

The  afternoon  of  this  day  I  devoted,  in  part,  to 
the  instruction  of  two  persons  in  Bridewell,  who  are 
under  sentence  of  death,  for  the  crime  of  murder. 
One  is  a  German,  of  sventy-seven  years,  and  the 
other  a  man  of  colour.  The  first  had  his  Testa- 
ment in  his  hand,  appeared  very  devout,  and  while  I 
prayed,  wrung  his  hands,  smote  them  together,  and 
gave  repeatedly  the  loud  Amen;  but  denied  the 
crime  of  which  he  stood  legally  convicted.  The 
man  of  colour  was  very  ignorant,  and  a  short  time 
since  did  not  know,  that  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 

Spirit,  are  one  God.     He  sat  pensive  on  the  floor, 

j 
with  his  back  against  the  wall,  and  his  feet  chained, 

directly  opposite  to  his  companion.     He  confessed 

that  he  was  worthy  of  death,  because  he  did  stab  a 

man,  while  he  did  not  positively  design  to  kill  him. 

In  this  respect  he  conducted  as  those  do,  who  reject 

offered  mercy,  continue  in  sin,  abuse  the  day  of 

grace,  and  rivet  their  chains  by  unbelief,  while  they 

do  not  positively  design  to  murder  their  own  souls. 

They  destroy  themselves,  because  they  are  willing 

to  continue  impenitent  and  risk  the  consequences. 

The  black  man,  however,  appears  much  more  like  a 

penitent,  than  his  wretched  fellow-prisoner.     Would 

3 


26 

io  God  that  all  sinners  could  believe  that  they  are 
really  condemned  already !  Did  they  know  this,  they 
would  know  also,  that  their  future  salvation  depends 
upon  the  acceptance  of  pardon  through  the  blood  of 
Jesus  Christ.  Impenitent  sinners  are  not  only  un- 
der condemnation,  but  imprisoned,  or  shut  up  to  the 
necessity  of  being  delivered  by  one,  mighty  to  save. 
They  are  shut  up  to  the  hope  of  the  Gospel,  and  ex- 
cluded from  evert/  other  hope. 


January  13th. 

kf  Want,  and  incurable  disease,  (fell  pair,) 
"  On  hopeless  multitudes  remorseless  seize 
e*  At  once  ;  and  make  a  refuge  of  the  grave. 
"  How  groaning  hospitals  eject  their  dead  ! 
"  What  numbers  groan  for  sad  admission  there  ! 
"  What  numbers,  once  in  fortune's  lap  high-fed, 
"  Solicit  the  cold  hand  of  charity  !** 

Young* 

ABOUT  one  hundred  persons  were  present  while 
I  preached  in  the  Hospital  this  morning,  and  the 
door  of  the  ward  opposite  to  that  in  which  I  stood, 
was  open,  so  that  about  fifteen  wretched  females 
could  hear,  who  were  on  beds  of  disease,  planted 
with  thorns.  After  service,  one  of  them  requested 
me  to  call  and  pray  with  her,  which  gave  me  the  op- 
portunity of  addressing  many  of  this  almost  hopeless 
class  of  human  beings.  The  woman  who  was  the 
principal  object  of  my  visit,  is  the  descendant  of  a 
respectable  family,  but  has  for  many  years  been  dis- 
carded by  all  her  relatives.  After  a  life  of  dissipa- 
tion, she  is  about  to  close  her  mortal  career  in  the 
ronamon  sewer  of  the  vilest.     Yerilv,  verilv,  (t  the 


27 

way  of  transgressors  is  hard."  While  speaking  the 
words  of  life,  I  stood  beside  the  miserable  B.  B.  who 
seemed  eagerly  gasping  after  that  truth  which  is  life 
from  the  dead.  Many  other  patients  were  unusually 
attentive ;  and  when  I  passed  from  ward  to  ward,  I 
found  many  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures.  This  is 
a  favourable  omen. 

In  the  afternoon  I  preached  in  the  ward  of  blind 
persons  in  the  Almshouse.  About  thirty  persons 
who  are  bereft  of  sight  attend  on  my  ministry. 
Among  them  is  a  person  called  Blind  George,  who 
regularly  officiates  as  my  clerk.  He  has  never  had 
vision  since  he  had  the  small  pox,  and  then  he  was 
only  a  few  years  of  age.  He  has  lived  about  thirty 
years ;  has  a  retentive  memory,  and  a  very  fine 
voice  for  church  music.  What  he  hears  sung,  he 
can  sing  again ;  and  what  he  hears  read,  he  will  very 
soon  repeat.  Commonly  I  pronounce  two  lines  of  a 
hymn,  but  sometimes  three,  and  even  four,  and  he 
will  sing  them  with  little  mistake.  From  some  pious 
Methodists,  who  have  occasionally  frequented  this 
Institution,  when  neglected  by  all  others,  he  has 
learned  many  sacred  songs.  He  is  remarkable  for 
adapting  his  notes  to  the  words.  Never  does  he  set 
a  plaintive  sentiment  to  a  sprightly  air ;  and  never, 
as  do  many  of  his  brother  choiristers,  does  he 
name  the  tune  "  mortality"  for  a  song  of  exulta- 
tion in  redeeming  grace.  It  is,  indeed,  a  matter 
of  gratitude,  that  the  blind  can  be  directed  in  their 
solemn  songs  by  such  a  leader ;  and  many  are  the 
hours  which  could  not  be  employed  in  sight,  that  are 
now  devoted  to  the  sounds  of  celestial  praise. 


28 

Since  I  was  at  the  Almshouse  last,  two  persons 
have  resigned  their  spirits  to  God,  the  Judge* 

January  14th. 
EARLY  this  morning,  the  woman  of  ill  fame 
who  yesterday  requested  me  to  pray  with  her,  re- 
signed her  mortal  life.  She  was  rational  to  the  last 
moment,  and  often  said,  after  I  left  her,  that  she 
knew  she  was  an  exceedingly  vile  sinner,  but  could 
not  help  entertaining  some  feeble  hope  that  God 
would  pardon  her  sins  through  Jesus  Christ.  Her 
present  state  is  known  to  God  alone ;  but  possibly 
she  may  have  entered  the  kingdom  of  heaven",  while 
such  as  trust  in  themselves  that  they  are  righteous, 
shall  be  for  ever  excluded.  At  the  same  time,  it  is 
lamentable,  that  in  the  same  room  where  she  died, 
are  many  sinners  of  the  same  class,  sensible  only  of 
iheir  animal  agonies,  without  the  fear  of  God ;  with- 
out hope  in  his  mercy.  One  of  them,  however, 
whose  sufferings  are  very  acute,  acknowledges, 

t"  His  strokes  are  fewer  than  her  crimes, 
"  And  lighter  than  her  guilt.'* 

January  17th. 
A  member  of  the  "  society  for  the  relief  of  poor 

widows  with  small  children,"  Mrs.  L C 

took  me  this  morning  to  visit  a  sick  person,  support- 
ed by  this  benevolent  Institution.  It  is  a  pleasure 
to  the  good,  to  know  that  the  ladies  who  have  espous- 
ed the  cause  of  the  widow  and  fatherless  babes, 
regard  with  tenderness  the  spiritual,  as  well  as  the 
temporal  situation  of  their  respective  charges. 


29 

This  poor  widow  is  not  past  the  age  of  thirty-five 
years;  but  she  is  trembling  on  the  verge  of  the 
grave.     She  said  to  me,  "  not  long  since,  I  had  a 

very  pretty  visit  from  the  Rev.  Mr. ,  who 

told  me  he  would  administer  the  sacrament  to  me  at 
any  time  I  should  desire."  This  prepared  the  way 
to  ascertain  the  reason  of  the  hope  which  she  indulg- 
ed. She  did  not  fear  hell,  she  said,  because  there 
was  no  such  place  as  hell ;  but  she  believed  that  all 
would  in  future  have  some  punishment,  and  some  re- 
ward, according  to  their  deserts.  She  added,  that 
she  had  always  done  as  well  as  she  could,  and  was 
therefore  persuaded  that  God  would  not  punish  her 
much. 

Such  was  the  faith  of  a  woman,  who  was  invited 
to  celebrate  the  offering  of  the  great  Sacrifice  for 
our  sins.  Had  she  knowledge  to  discern  the  Lord's 
body  ? 

While  I  was  with  her,  I  spent  my  time  in  attempt- 
ing to  convince  her,  that  if  God  should  punish  any 
person  according  to  his  deserts,  he  would  be  com- 
pletely miserable ;  that  one  sin  not  pardoned,  would 
entail  the  curse  of  the  law  upon  all  succeeding  ages ; 
that  all  the  impenitent  and  unbelieving  shall  be  turn- 
ed into  hell;  that  she  had  not  done  as  well  as  she 
could,  in  the  sense  in  which  she  pretended  that  she 
had ;  that  as  a  sinner  she  had  done  no  good ;  that 
she  was  likely  soon  to  die,  (which  she  almost  resent- 
ed !)  and  that  she  must  be  everlastingly  miserable,  if 
God  did  not  impute  the  perfect  righteousness  of 
Christ  to  her,  through  faith  in  his  name.  These 
were  hard  doctrines,  but  if  they  are  not  blessed  of 
3  # 


30 

God,  to  her  spiritual  life,  she  must  remain  proud  of 
her  own  performances,  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins. 
The  doctrine  of  a  sinner's  being  declared  legally 
just,  while  in  liimself  unjust,  and  accepted  as  pure, 
on  account  of  the  obedience  and  sufferings  of  Christ, 
while  in  himself  impure,  was  a  new  doctrine  to  her, 
which  she  has  yet  to  learn.  Her  attention  was  so 
far  gained  to  these  subjects,  that  she  earnestly  en- 
treated  me  to  Call  again. 

This  morning  I  have  also  prayed  with  Mrs.  B.  B. 
in  the  Hospital.  She  declines  in  body ;  but  from  fear, 
or  some  other  principle,  she  spends  the  greater  part 
of  her  days  and  nights  in  ejaculatory  prayer.  The 
unfortunate  Miss  L****  is  thought  to  be  better ; 
and  some  prospect  remains  of  her  being  restored  to 
reason.  Still  I  say,  the  comedians  played  a  tragical 
farce. 

In  the  evening,  a  room  in  the  Almshouse  was 
again  my  church.  All  were  attentive.  Many  on 
each  side  of  me  were  on  beds  of  sickness,  and  se- 
veral were  near  the  close  of  life.  Who  would  not 
have  been  affected  at  such  a  sight?  Many  have  fre- 
quented this  place  of  suffering  with  me,  and  have 
been  so  much  overcome  by  their  emotions,  as  to  be 
unable  to  speak.  Once  I  could  weep ;  but  of  late  I 
have  been  so  conversant  with  disease  and  death,  that 
my  feelings  are  somewhat  blunted.  Instead  of  ob- 
taining relief  by  the  free  perspiration  of  grief,  my 
heart  swells  and  burns  with  an  unremitting  fever. 
After  public  worship  was  concluded,  a  warm  debate 
arose  about  the  nomination  of  the  ward  where  I 
should  next  preach.     Seven  or  eight  aged  women 


31 

were  entreating  for  their  turn  next,  and  naming  the 
number  of  their  sick  for  arguments.  In  most  of  the 
rooms  are  several  who  cannot  move  ;  and  from  these 
I  receive  messages,  entreaties,  and  gentle  remon- 
strances. What  can  I  do  but  serve  them  all  in  ro- 
tation? When  I  was  leaving  the  room,  many  poor 
creatures  half  raised  themselves  from  bed,  to  make 
their  obeisance  to  a  fellow-worm,  and  express  their 
fears,  that  since  so  many  beset  me,  they  should  not 
soon  obtain  another  sermon.  "  Be  patient,  be  pa- 
tient," was  the  reply;  but  it  really  requires  great 
patience  in  sickness,  to  be  destitute  of  the  consola- 
tion of  a  preached  Gospel.  Many  supplicate  the 
divine  blessing  on  me,  in  such  a  manner  as  fully  to 
induce  the  belief,  that  they  love  the  messenger  for 
the  sake  of  the  message. 

It  did  indeed  move  my  soul,  in  descending  from 
the  fourth  floor  of  the  house,  to  see  my  blind  hear- 
ers feeling  their  way  down  the  stairs.  One  of  them, 
a  girl  of  seventeen,  born  blind,  was  pressed  away 
from  the  balustrade  by  the  crowd,  and  was  necessi- 
tated to  move  her  hand  around  the  wall  of  the  whole 
entry,  to  gain  the  next  descent.  Some  of  the  blind 
had  palsied,  halting  leaders,  and  some  without  any 
guide  but  a  staff,  passed  down  one  wing  of  the  build- 
ing, over  the  yard,  and  up  into  the  western  apart- 
ments. Could  any  one  expect  these  blind  persons 
to  find  their  way  to  the  churches  in  the  city  ?  Or 
must  they  perish  for  want  of  spiritual  vision  ?  God 
forbid. 


32 


January  19th. 

u  The  pitying  robber,  conscious  that,  pursu'd, 
"  He  had  no  time  to  waste,  yet  stood  and  view'd  ; 
"  To  the  next  cot  the  trembling  infant  bore, 
"  And  gave  a  part  of  what  he  stole  before  ; 
M  Nor  known  to  him  the  wretches  were,  nor  dear  ; 
"  He  felt  as  man,  and  dropped  a  human  tear." 

Langhorue. 

THE  distinction  frequently  made  between  the 
power  of  sympathy,  and  the  conviction  of  duty,  is 
important.  Even  the  voluptuary  will  weep  in  the 
theatre,  when  a  lovely  person  is  represented  to  be 
ruined  by  the  seductions  of  taste,  the  blandishments 
of  a  fascinating  youth,  and  the  promises  of  an  ar- 
dent, but  faithless  lover.  Represent  misery  to  the 
man  who  makes  gold  his  idol,  and  you  may  not  un- 
frequently  excite  a  violent  commotion  in  his  soul  be- 
tween the  passions  of  avarice  and  sympathy.  These 
same  men,  however,  will  produce  and  continue 
the  misery,  at  the  representation  of  which  they  felt 
commisseration  for  the  unhappy. 

The  man  of  feeling,  without  religion,  when  the 
ether  of  his  imagination  pours  liquid  fire  through  his 
veins,  rushes  on,  heedless  of  consequences;  and 
shame,  poverty,  disease,  and  even  hell,  are  phan- 
toms to  him.  He  is  an  unrestrained  libertine.  But 
when  the  flames  have  consumed  their  present  store 
of  combustibles,  he  feels  again  like  something  human. 
When  cool,  approach  him  with  a  tale  of  wo,  and  he 
is  mild  in  tone,  and  tender  in  his  actions.  He  gives 
with  liberality :  but  such  feeling  as  the  wounded  ani- 
mal excites  in  a  brute  companion,  is  the  sole  excite- 


33 

ment  to  his  charity.  Benevolence,  which  becomes 
a  rational  being,  and  which  God  will  approve,  is  a 
consistent,  habitual  regard  for  the  welfare  of  others, 
which  is  manifested  by  corresponding  actions.  Sym- 
pathy is  natural  and  amiable  ;  but  benevolence,  when 
exercised  by  a  fallen  man,  is  supernatural  and  holy. 
Would  to  God  that  the  two  were  united  in  every  hu- 
man heart !  Possibly  both  have  been  exercised  in 
the  relief  of  a  certain  poor  widow,  whose  husband,  a 
carman,  died  about  a  year  since ;  leaving  her,  after 
she  had  defrayed  the  expenses  of  his  sickness  and 
burial,  nothing  for  her  support,  but  ten  children. 
Four  of  these  are  able  to  provide  for  themselves, 
and  one  or  two  can  give  some  assistance  to  the  mo- 
ther, by  tending  the  four  younger  children,  while  the 
mother  washes  or  sews  for  the  necessaries  of  life. 
For  eight  months  I  have  known  this  woman  and  her 
family.  She  is  a  professor  of  reli .  ion ;  and  more,  she 
is  pious.  Her  children  are  neat  and  industrious. 
For  a  single  room  she  pays  twenty -five  dollars,  yearly 
rent ;  and  earns  a  part  of  this  by  sewing  nankeen 
pantaloons  and  common  shirts,  for  the  eighth  of  a 
dollar  for  each  garment.  This  I  find  to  be  the 
common  price  of  job-work ;  so  that  the  poor  widows 
who  will  support  themselves,  must  be  content  with 
one  shilling,  while  the  purchasers  pay  many  shil- 
lings for  the  same  work.  AH  who  sell  ought  to  have 
lawful  gain,  but  the  poor,  who  perform  the  work, 
ought  to  receive  at  least  half  of  that  sum  which  is 
charged  for  making  of  apparel.  Some  of  the  chil- 
dren attend  that  benevolent  Institution,  "  The  New- 
York   Free  School,''  and  if  the  Lord   shall  spare 


34 

them,  I  doubt  not  will  make  useful  mechanics.  When 
this  widow  was  in  her  most  destitute  condition,  be- 
fore she  could  gather  something  to  begin  the  world 
anew,  with  her  fatherless  children,  a  young  man  of 
generous,  native  feelings,  who  never  saw  her,  sent 
five  dollars  for  her  relief.  This  same  man  of  ten- 
derness, however,  gave  that  for  which  he  was  indebt- 
ed, and  soon  after  defrauded  many  of  his  friends. 
Alas  !  alas !  why  had  not  this  youth  benevolence,  as 
well  as  sympathy  !  Another  young  man,  who  is  poor 
indeed,  but  whom  providence  has  hitherto  protected, 
has  more  than  once  divided  with  the  family,  when 
almost  destitute  of  wood  and  bread,  his  last  dollar. 
The  pride  of  doing  good,  or  sympathy,  or  something 
else,  may  have  actuated  him.  God  searches  his 
heart ! 

To  give  to  the  street  beggars  of  this  city,  is  not 
well  directed  charity.  Those  persons  who  have 
large  families,  who  make  great  exertions  to  live  out 
of  the  Almshouse,  when  they  are  almost  driven  into 
it  by  want,  are  the  proper  objects  for  pecuniary  as- 
sistance. 

The  wind  blew  the  piercing  cold  from  the  north ; 
but  the  southern  sun  illuminated  the  abode  of  the  wi- 
dow. The  children  had  recovered  their  ruddy 
countenances,  and  were  seated  round  a  frugal  fire. 
They  had  a  little  wood  still  remaining  and  a  loaf  of 
bread  in  reserve.  The  widow  was  restored  to  her 
wonted  strength,  from  the  debility  induced  by  long 
watchings  with  misery ;  and  contentment  was  in  her 
countenance.  This  sight  gave  new  vigour  to  a  heart 
which  had  been  depressed  with  the  remembrance  of 


35 

wretchedness  which  it  could  not  dispel.  It  encou- 
raged me  to  take  a  missionary  tour  through  some  of 
the  wards  in  the  Almshouse. 

Here  I  saw  one  of  my  aged  friends,  to  whom  mi?ht 
be  applied  Milton's  description  of  honourable  old 


"  So  may'st  thou  live,  till  like  ripe  fruit  thou  drop 

'*  Into  thy  mother's  lap,  or  be  with  ease 

w  Gather'd,  not  harshly  pluck'd,  for  Death  mature. 

*'  This  is  old  age  ;  but  then  thou  must  outlive 

"  Thy  youth,  thy  strength,  thy  beauty,  which  will  change 

"  To  wither'd,  weak,  and  gray;  thy  senses  then 

"  Obtuse,  all  sense  of  pleasure  must  forego, 

"  To  what  thou  hast :  and  for  the  air  of  youth, 

"  Hopeful  and  cheerful,  in  thy  blood  will  reign 

"  A  melancholy  damp  of  cold  and  dry, 

"  To  weigh  thy  spirits  down. n 

At  my  request,  she  repeated  thirty  or  forty  stanzas 
of  different  hymns,  which  she  learned  in  child- 
hood and  youth.  Some  of  these  hymns  have  been 
remembered  by  her  for  a  century.  She  was  born 
in  Berwick  upon  the  Tweed,  lived  some  time  in 
London,  was  a  hearer  of  Mr.  Whitefield  there,  and 
came  to  this  city  loner,  she  does  not  remember  how 
long-,  before  the  revolutionary  war.  Her  maiden 
name  was  Christiana  Ritchie,  but  she  is  now  the  wi- 
dow Webb,  having  had  only  one  husband  in  a  life  of 
one  hundred  and  three  years.  Being  disposed  to 
converse  familiarly  with  all,  to  gain  their  confidence, 
I  one  day  said,  as  any  man  might  speak  to  an  aged 
friend,  in  health,  "  But  why  did  you  not  marry  a  se- 
cond time  ?"  She  answered,  with  a  smile,  that  she 
was  old  when  her  husband  died ;  that  they  had  al- 


36 

ways  lived  in  peace ;  and  that  she  was  Ci  afraid  t« 
try  another,  lest  he  should  not  be  so  good."  There 
is  not  a  more  cheerful  person  of  my  acquaintance,  in 
the  world.  It  is  good  to  see  such  an  aged  saint,  and 
hear  her  bless  God  for  the  goodness  of  a  century. 
The  hymns  and  scenes  of  her  childhood  are  fresh  in 
her  memory ;  but  most  intermediate  things,  saving 
the  general  remembrance  of  God's  love,  have  vanish- 
ed from  her  mind.  To  the  remark,  "  You  appear 
still  to  love  God,"  she  replied,  "  Aye !  whom  have 
I  to  love  better  than  hi rri !  I  would  not  be  without 
his  love,  and  love  to  him,  for  a  thousand  worlds !" 
She  delights  in  religious  conversation,  and  public 
worship.  When  her  nurse  told  her  that  I  was  to 
preach  in  her  room  to-morrow,  she  said,  "  TJ  ell,  I 
am  very  glad,  Sir ;  and  may  God  give  you  instruc- 
tion, that  you  may  instruct  us." 

To-day  the  German  convict  seemed  more  tender 
and  sensible  of  his  situation  than  when  I  saw  him 
last ;  but  still  insisted  upon  his  innocence  in  relation 
to  the  murder.  The  other  convict  was  also  deeply 
affected  at  the  exhibition  of  a  merciful  Saviour ;  but 
when  men  expect  death  in  less  than  a  week,  and 
their  sins  arise  in  horrible  array  against  them,  it  is 
difficult  to  distinguish  filial  fear  from  the  slavish 
dread  of  God.  The  one  is  a  saving  grace  of  the 
Holy  Spirit ;  and  the  other,  an  actual  infliction  cf  a 
part  of  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God  due  to  sin.  Ter- 
rors of  a  guilty  conscience  are  inflicted  penalties  of 
a  violated  law.  If  then  the  penalties  of  the  law  are 
partially  inflicted  here,  who  dares  to  say,  "  there  is 
no  hell?" 


37 


January  20th. 

THE  room  in  which  I  preached  in  the  Hospital 
this  morning,  was  very  full,  and  all  were  attentive. 
By  the  assistance  of  a  few  young  friends,  I  was  en- 
abled to  present  the  patients  with  some  Hymn  Books, 
to  be  detained  in  the  Institution,  which  were  receiv- 
ed and  used  with  great  pleasure.  It  was  a  matter  of 
regret,  that  I  could  not  present  more  of  the  excel- 
lent «  Hartford  Collection." 

Between  the  hours  of  11  and  12  o'clock,  my  time 
was  devoted  to  the  men  who  are  to  be  executed. 
At  their  united  request,  prayer  was  addressed  to  the 
throne  of  grace.  The  German  shifted  his  chains  so 
as  to  arise  on  his  knees ;  and  the  man  of  colour  bow- 
ed his  head  in  awful  depression.  Both  of  them  ap- 
peared to  feel,  that  their  last  sabbath  had  dawned  on 
them,  and  expressed  a  desire  to  remember  past  pri- 
vileges, and  improve  the  present  moment,  by  sing- 
ing the  praises  of  God.  Several  persons  were  in 
company  with  me,  and  the  prisoners,  as  well  as  they 
could,  united  with  us  in  singing : 

*'  Come,  bumble  sinner,  in  whose  breast 

"   A  thousand  thoughts  revolve  ; 
u  Come,  with  your  guilt  and  fear  opprest, 

"   And  make  this  last  resolve  : 

"  I'll  go  to  Testis,  though  my  sia 

*'  Hath  like  a  mountain  rose  ; 
*'  I  ki:ow  his  courts,  I'll  enter  in, 

"  "\Vnatever  may  oppose.'' 

During  public  worship  in  the  Almshouse  this  after- 
noon, the  woman  of  103  years  sat  before  me,  and 
4 


33 

said  she  could  perfectly  understand  me.  I  read  a 
hymn  to  which  she  had  been  accustomed  in  youth, 
and  which  I  knew  she  could  repeat.  It  gave  her  so 
much  pleasure,  that  she  involuntarily  lifted  up  her 
hands,  and  said  in  the  hearing  of  all,  "  O,  that's  a 
fine  hymn !"  But  how  different  are  the  dispensations 
of  providence !  Catharine  Welsh,  a  woman  of  96 
years,  sat  beside  me  also,  but  has  become  so  much  of 
a  child  as  to  understand  nothing.  Indeed,  she  dif- 
fers from  an  infant  only  in  her  form,  and  the  love  of 
taking  snuff.  This  habit  has  survived  the  exercise 
of  all  her  mental  faculties. 

George,  my  blind  clerk,  was  delighted  with  the 
present  of  a  Hymn  Book.  "  Of  what  use,"  a  stran- 
ger might  ask,  "  will  it  be  to  him?"  While  he  owns 
it,  he  will  have  the  satisfaction  which  all  desire,  of 
calling  something  his  property.  Besides,  he  can  now 
persuade  others  to  amuse  some  of  his  solitary  hours, 
by  reading  to  him ;  who,  were  they  in  possession, 
would  read  only  to  themselves.  Two  books  were 
presented  for  the  use  of  two  other  rooms;  and' 
strong  solicitations  came  thick  upon  me  for  the  other 
wards.  I  have  not  the  power  to  gratify  them ;  but 
must  resort  to  those  who  have,  at  least,  a  little  silver 
and  sold.  It  is  more  painful  to  ask,  than  to  bestow, 
I  have  found  by  experience ;  and  witness,  angels,  if 
ever  I  beg  a  cent  in  any  other  name  than  that  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Had  he  not  been  poor,  one 
might  be  ashamed  of  poverty ;  but  for  him  a  Chris- 
tian can  beg,  without  deeming  it  a  degradation. 

When  leaving  the  room,  I  said  to  Mary  L##^*f 
a  blind  woman,  "  well,  Mary,  I  hope  it  was  some  con- 


39 

eolation  for  you  to  /tear  ;  for  faith  cometh  by  hear- 
ing" She  replied  in  an  instant,  "  it  is  better  to 
believe  than  to  see;  but  I  hope  to  see  in  the  next 
world ;  and  among  others,  since  I  have  been  com- 
forted by  your  words,  I  greatly  desire  to  see  the 
preacher  there."  Verily,  it  was  the  divine  design 
that  the  Gospel  should  be  preached  to  the  poor,  that 
their  profiting  might  appear  to  all,  for  the  manifesta- 
tion of  his  benevolence. 

In  addition  to  the  other  employments  of  this  day, 
I  have  enjoyed  the  communion  of  saints,  and  inflict- 
ed pain  on  my  own  mind,  by  chastising  an  infidel. 
His  infidelity  is  to  be  hated;  but  it  is  painful  to 
wound  the  personal  feelings  of  any  being. 

The  communion  was  doubly  dear,  from  the  cir«< 
cumstance  that  Christians  of  different  sections  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  who  never  united  before  in 
the  breaking  of  bread,  were  seated  at  the  same  table, 
to  commemorate  the  death  of  their  common  Saviour* 
They  have  happily  discovered,  that  brethren  who 
love  the  same  Lord,  agree  in  the  same  faith,  serve 
the  same  master,  and  love  one  another,  may  testify 
to  the  world  that  they  commune  with  one  another,  in 
defiance  of  the  warfare  waged  by  names. 

The  church  in  Cedar-street,  and  the  third  Asso- 
ciate Reformed  church,  with  many  individuals  of 
other  sections  of  the  Christian  community,  deserve 
the  thanks  of  the  whole  church,  for  the  discovery, 
that  the  word  Scotch  is  not  the  test  of  religious  fel- 
lowship ;  and  that  the  members  of  the  same  mystical 
body,  who  are  born  of  the  spirit,  may  descend,  ac- 
cording to  the  flesh,  from  Highland,  Lowland,  En- 


40 

glish,  Irish,  Dutch,  French,  German,  or  American 
ancestry.  Long  live  this  friendly  intercourse  be^ 
tween  children  of  the  same  family  and  the  same 
faith !  Multitudes  may  enter  heaven  with  whom  the 
churches  ought  not  to  commune,  lest  they  should 
encourage  the  errors  of  the  saints ;  but  where  the 
same  Gospel  is  supported,  there  should  be  visible 
union  and  co-operation.  When  any  religious  society 
advocates  another  Gospel,  ("  which  is  not  another," 
for  there  is  no  Gospel  besides  one,)  God  save  the 
members  of  that  church,  but  confound  their  false 
doctrines,  so  that  the  whole  fraternity  of  heretics 
may  find  as  many  difficulties  to  impede  the  erec- 
tion of  their  system,  as  obstructed  the  building  of  its 
prototype,  Babel. 

The  infidel,  whom  I  attacked  in  the  evening,  de- 
served severe  rebuke.  His  late  conduct  was  the 
proper  subject  for  the  lash  of  scorpions.  Not  long 
since  he  had  the  courage  to  attack  the  Christian 
faith  of  a  very  amiable  lady,  and  ridiculed  her  Hope, 
because,  forsooth,  he  had  been  a  traveller,  had  visit- 
ed Judea,  and  was  qualified  to  attest  that  the  history 
of  Jesus  Christ  is  a  fiction.  It  was  known  to  the 
writer,  that  this  boaster  had  been  retailing  that  know- 
ledge, which  is  contained  in  the  primer  of  infidelity, 
"  The  Age  of  Reason ;"  and  if  it  is  honourable  for 
a  Debt  to  commence  hostilities,  it  is  not  dishonour- 
abla  for  a  Christian,  when  opportunity  permits,  to 
cut  and  thrust  with  the  sword  of  the  Spirit. 

"  Are  there,  (still  more  amazing  !)  who  resist 
"  The  rising  thought  ?   who  smother,  in  its  birtb* 
•  The  glorious  truth  ?  who  struggle  to  he  brutes  ? 


41 

**  Who  through  this  hosom-barrier  burst  their  way  ; 

"  And,  with  reverst  ambition,  strive  to  sink  ? 

"  Who  labour  downwards  through  the  opposing  powers 

rt  Of  instinct,  reason,  and  the  world  against  them, 

"  To  dismal  hopes,  and  shelter  in  the  shock 

"  Of  endless  night  ?  *» 

Samson  Occmn,  the  Indian  preacher,  after  a  long 
contest  with  an  universalist,  terminated  the  contro- 
versy, by  saying,  "  Well,  well,  remember,  if  you  are 
correct,  I  am  safe :  if  you  are  not  correct,  I  am 
safe :  I  have  two  strings  to  my  bow ;  you  have 
but  one."  This  was  related  and  applied  to  the 
argumentation  between  the  friends  and  the  ene- 
mies of  divine  revelation.  "  He  is  a  friend,"  said 
I,  "neither  to  himself,  nor  to  others,  who  would 
deprive  any  Christian  of  support  under  afflictions, 
and  consolation  in  death,  by  shaking  his  faith  in  the 
system  of  Christianity.  The  religion  of  Jesus  can 
injure  no  one ;  and  were  it  a  delusion,  I  would  gladly 
cherish  it  in  preference  to  despair ;  I  would  support 
it,  merely  for  the  advantages  it  aiFords  in  the  hour 
of  dissolution,  until  a  better  source  of  consolation 
should  be  substituted  in  its  place."  My  friend,  the 
amiable  lady,  related  the  anecdote  of  Hume's  mo- 
ther, who  desired  her  son  to  restore  to  her,  on  the 
bed  of  sickness,  the  consolations  of  which  he  had 
deprived  her,  by  making  her  a  sceptic.  After  this 
severe,  but  gentle,  reproof  was  given,  our  conversa- 
tion was  terminated.  This  bold  and  ferocious  fel- 
low, who  could  worry  a  lamb,  would  not  even  defend 
himself  against  an  equal.  He  heard  the  whole,  dis- 
covered considerable  agitation,  attempted  to  divert 
the  course  ©f  conversation,  but  opened  not  his  mouth 
4  # 


42 

hi  favour  of  his  own  opinions.  Impudence  and  cow- 
ardice often  co-exist  in  the  same  breast. 

Of  the  truth  of  this  remark,  I  have  additional  evi* 
dence.  Not  long  since,  I  called  on  a  friend,  who, 
from  great  urbanity,  and  regard  to  the  acquaintances 
of  his  childhood,  entertained  two  persons  at  his  table, 
who  were  avowed  Deists.  They  had  been  educated 
in  religious  families ;  had  removed  to  one  of  the 
Southern  States,  and  were  now  men  of  consequence, 
because  they  possessed  five  or  six  hundred  slaves. 
Their  dignity  is  commensurate  with  their  plantations, 
and  their  honours  have  been  multiplied  at  the  birth 
of  every  negro  or  mulatto  child.  Since  they  left 
"  the  land  of  steady  habits,"  the  sabbath  has  been 
the  day  of  their  amusements ;  and  deeds,  at  which 
they  shuddered  in  youth,  have  become  familiar  by 
practice.  To  quiet  their  consciences,  they  have 
concluded,  very  philosophically,  to  believe  nothing, 
Of  course,  no  truth  which  they  believe,  can  condemn 
their  unhallowed  indulgences. 

When  I  entered  the  room,  the  gentlemen  were 
near  the  end  of  the  dessert.  It  was  the  time  for 
every  man  to  expose  his  whole  heart.  After  deny- 
ing the  divine  institution  of  the  sabbath,  and  the  in- 
spiration of  the  Scriptures,  one  of  these  mighty  men 
of  the  plantation  turned  to  me,  and  said,  "  Christian* 
ity  has  made  more  damned  rascals,  than  all  other 
religions  under  heaven."  With  indignation,  I 
arose  to  leave  the  room,  and  said,  "  It  is  false !  it  is 
false,  Sir  !"  He  arose  too,  in  terrible  wrath,  exclaim- 
ing, M  I  demand  explanation,  Sir,  or  satisfaction  \ 


43 

We  do  not  suffer  such  language  in  the  country 
where  I  live." 

«  An  explanation  I  am  ready  to  give.  What  you 
have  said  is  utterly  false;  is  a  base  aspersion  on 
Christianity." 

Upon  this  he  swore,  with  the  oath  of  a  bully,  that 
I  was  a  fellow  of  low  breeding,  "  You  must  be," 
I  rejoined,  seating  myself  with  a  smile  of  contempt 
for  his  baseness,  M  a  gentleman  of  refined  education 
and  manners,  to  tell  your  host,  who  is  a  ruler  in  the 
church,  and  his  two  friends,  who  are  ministers  of  the 
Gospel,  that  the  system  which  they  espouse,  and  on 
which  they  build  their  hope  of  everlasting  life,  is  a 
system  of  knavery  which  makes  men  rascals."    The 

Rev.  Mr.  H — ,  who  had  remained  silent,  upon 

this  disclosure  took  his  departure ;  but  having  enter- 
ed the  lists,  I  felt  constrained  to  add,  "  I  shall  affirm 
that  your  assertion  is  false,  until  you  show  some  doc- 
trine, precept,  or  promise  in  the  Gospel,  which  coun- 
tenances deception  and  licentiousness." 

In  this  critical  juncture,  as  became  the  wight,  he 
gave  me  to  understand,  that  in  spite  of  a  black  coat, 
I  must  meet  him ;  and  his  brother  infidel  volunteered 
his  services  as  an  honourable  friend, — I  suppose,  to 
carry  the  powder-horn  and  builet-bag.  My  friend, 
the  Elder,  was  unfortunately  so  deaf,  that  he  did  not 
distinctly  understand  the  conversation  ;  and  of  course, 

the  Rev.  Mr.  H being  absent,  no  one  offered 

his  services  as  my  armour-bearer  in  the  dreadful  con- 
flict.    My  answer  was, 

"  lain  ready  to  meet  you,  Sir,  and  shall  meet  you 
jioiv,  with  no  other  weapons  than  those  of  truth 


44 

and  conscience.  I  did  not  say  that  you  was  a  liar, 
but  that  your  assertion  was  false.  Every  He  is  a 
falsehood,  but  every  falsehood  is  not  a  lie.  What 
is  not  true  is  false,  and  an  untruth  may  be  spoken, 
from  ignorance  or  prejudice,  as  well  as  a  disposition 
to  deceive.  I  have  not  said  that  you  spoke  con- 
trary to  your  belief:  for  I  know  not  your  thoughts ; 
but  you  have  uttered  what  is  untrue :  for  Christian* 
ity  has  no  tendency  to  make  bad  men." 

After  I  met  the  man  in  this  manner,  he  asked  my 
pardon ;  said  he  did  not  know  we  were  clergymen, 
and  excused  his  conduct  by  pleading  the  violence  of 
his  native  passions.  Finally  he  made  his  retreat,  by 
alleging,  that  he  intended  to  say,  "  more  deceivers 
have  assumed  Christianity  for  a  cloak,  than  any  other 
religion."  To  this  I  consented,  and  to  this  only, 
"  that  many  rascals  pretend  to  be  Christians,  who 
were  rascals  before,  created  by  infidelity,^  and  are 
not  improved  by  the  religion  of  Jesus,  because  they 
have  not  felt  it."  When  departing  from  the  room, 
he  offered  me  his  hand,  and  I  left  him,  with  the  ex- 
pression of  my  desire  that  he  might  feel  the  influ- 
ences of  Christianity,  and  experience  its  blessings. 

When  I  related  this  anecdote  to  a  pious  wit,  he? 
said,  you  should  not  have  contradicted  him;  you 
should  have  said,  "  true,  Christianity  has  made  more 
damned, — rascals,  all  rascals,  than  all  other  systems 
of  doctrine."  The  remark  which  I  made  in  my  own 
mind,  after  leaving  the  company,  I  would  propose  as 
a  moral  to  my  kindred  according  to  the  flesh. 

When  a  young  man  discards  the  pious  customs  of 
his  native  place,  and  the  faith  of  his  Christian  an- 


45 

cestors,  he  commonly  becomes  one  of  the  vilest  of 
(he  vile. 


January  24th. 

THERE  is  a  woman  of  colour,  row  in  the  Hos- 
pital, who  has  been  dreadfully  mangled  by  her  hus- 
band. He  had  been  often  deranged  in  mind,  by  the 
stimulant  effect  of  ardent  spirits ;  and  on  the  night 
of  her  sufferings,  said  that  Jesus  commanded  him  to 
sacrifice  her.  He  stabbed  her  in  several  places  in 
the  head,  and  cut  her  hands,  which  made  resistance 
until  the  blade  of  the  knife  was  broken  in  the 
bloody  conflict.  Her  throat  was  also  gashed  in  se- 
veral places ;  but  in  all  this  struggle  for  life,  she  did 
not  cry  so  loud  as  to  alarm  the  family,  which  slept 
directly  over  head.  Groans  were  heard  indeed,  in 
the  morning,  and  the  neighbours  coming  in,  found 
the  poor  creature  with  her  hands  on  the  wounds,  and 
the  floor  wet  with  blood.  Her  reason  for  not  making 
more  complaint  was,  a  conviction  that  her  htisband 
knew  not  what  he  did ;  and  a  fear  that  he  would  be 
executed,  while  an  impenitent  sinner.  She  now  dis- 
covers great  concern  for  the  soul  of  her  husband ; 
and  while  she  knows  that  the  physicians  despair  of 
her  life,  is  anxious  that  prayer  should  be  offer- 
ed for  his  pardon,  rather  than  for  her  own  recover}". 
She  has  but  little  knowledge ;  she  suffers  extremely, 
and  yet  her  confidence  in  the  wisdom  of  God  might 
well  be  the  object  of  imitation ;  and  her  peace,  the 
desire  of  the  learned  and  affluent. 

With  the  criminals  I  found  many  persons,  who 
appear  to   have  more  disposition  than   ability  to 


43 

teach ;  for  many  good  men  are  poorly  qualified  to 
indoctrinate  the  ignorant.  With  one  consent,  exer- 
tion was  made  by  these  persons  to  prevent  the  poor 
convicts  from  doubting  of  their  good  estate.  They 
really  appeared  to  think,  that  to  die  in  the  persuasion 
of  acceptance,  from  whatever  source  that  persuasion 
was  derived,  was  actually  to  die  in  safety,  to  sleep 
in  Jesus.  Without  any  direct  attack  upon  those 
who  claimed  the  honour  of  having  converted  John- 
son and  Sinclair,  it  was  my  endeavour  seriously  and 
rationally  to  convince  them  from  the  word  of  God, 
of  their  own  sin,  of  the  righteousness  which  13  in 
Christ  Jesus,  and  of  the  judgment  which  is  to  come, 
that  by  a  divine  blessing  they  might  possess  contrite 
hearts. 

Besides  the  word  of  exhortation  in  the  Almshouse 
this  morning,  it  was  an  unfeigned  pleasure  to  give  se- 
veral more  hymn-books  for  the  use  of  the  destitute 
wards. 


January  25th, 
THE  EXECUTION. 

"  So  bad  a  death  argues  a  monstrous  life. 

"  Forbear  to  judge,  for  we  are  sinners  all. 

'*  Close  up  his  eyes,  and  draw  the  curtains  round, 

"  And  let  us  all  to  meditation. * 

Shakspeare. 

THE  cell  of  the  murderers  was  this  morning  open- 
ed at  an  early  hour  for  all  ministers  of  the  Gospel, 
who  pleased,  to  enter  and  give  instruction.  To  gratify 
a  wish  which  the  criminals  had  previously  expressed, 
I  visited  them,  among  many  teachers  of  different  de- 


47 

nominations.  Two  German  ministers  devoted  them- 
selves to  their  unhappy  countryman,  who  confessed 
perhaps  ail  his  sins  but  that  for  which  he  was  to  be 
executed,  and  with  many  tears  followed  them  in 
their  forms  of  prayer.  Several  persons  who  had,  I 
would  hope,  pious  intentions,  assured  Johnson  that 
lie  was  converted,  that  all  his  sins  were  unquestion- 
ably pardoned,  and  that  now  he  had  nothing  to  do 
but  sing  hymns  of  assurance  and  triumph.  He  was 
exhorted  again  and  again  to  say  that  he  was  confident, 
and  that  he  had  no  fear  of  death.  To  this  poor 
prisoner  of  hope,  were  devoted  all  my  attentions,  be- 
cause he  confided  in  me,  solicited  my  last  advice ; 
and  because  I  thought  it  more  important  that  he 
should  be  prepared  for  death,  than  that  he  should 
think  or  say,  "  I  have  already  attained." 

While  his  friends  were  insisting  upon  the  song  of 
Hallelujah,  he  frequently  turned  to  me,  and  asked, 
*'  How  shall  I  pray  ?  What  shall  be  my  last  prayer  V* 
JIaving  explained  the  nature  of  sin,  and  of  Christ's 
satisfaction  for  transgression,  the  hope  was  expressed 
that  he  would  die  with  the  prayer  of  the  publican  in 
his  heart.  When  the  singing  men  gave  a  short  in- 
termission, I  proposed  the  51st  psalm ; 

"  Show  pity  Lord,  O  Lord  forgive,  , 

"  Let  a  repenting  rebel  live  ;" 

and  the  words  seemed  perfectly  consonant  to  his 
feelings.  A  dying  penitent  will  always  prefer  con- 
fession and  petition,  to  confident  declarations  of  his 
own  sincerity. 

At  the  appointed  hour,  spectators  withdrew  from 
the  celi;  the  chains  were  taken  off;  the  prisoners 


48 

were  arrayed  in  white  garments  and  caps,  trimmed 
with  black ;  had  their  arms  pinioned,  and  received 
the  fatal  rope  about  their  necks.  The  father  and 
friends  of  Johnson  then  approached  him,  and  gave 
the  last  embrace.  The  family  of  the  keeper  also 
approached,  with  much  tenderness,  and  bade  them 
farewell.  When  the  prisoners  had  descended  to  the 
yard,  I  designed  to  have  left  Johnson  among  his 
friends,  who  were  particularly  desirous  of  walking- 
with  him,  while  the  German  brethren  led  Sinclair ; 
but  when  the  cart  which  contained  the  scaffold  and 
the  coffins  appeared,  the  black  man  turned  and  in- 
quired for  me  with  anxiety.  His  entreaty  that  I 
would  not  leave  him,  induced  me  to  see  the  consum- 
mation of  this  dreadful  scene.  On  the  way  to  the 
gallows,  he  took  my  left  arm,  and  the  right  arm  of 
one  of  his  coloured  brethren.  Behind  us  were  ma- 
ny, who  incessantly  sUng  as  we  marched,  with  mili- 
tary escort,  but  he  seemed  to  regard  songs  as  now  in-, 
appropriate  to  his  circumstances.  Again  and  again 
he  entreated  me  to  teach  him  how  to  pray;  and 
when  I  dictated  suitable  expressions,  he  would  re- 
peat them  with  great  fervour.  He  had  no  heart  for 
any  thing  but  the  revelation  of  the  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus,  and  the  petition,  "  God  be  merciful  to 
me,  a  sinner."  This  he  repeated  at  almost  every 
step.  Under  the  gallows  he  was  unwilling  that  I 
should  leave  him,  and  when  he  was  ascending  to  be 
made  fast,  he  said  to  me,  "What  shall  I  say?  O 
tell  me  my  last  prayer  again !"  Again  I  said,  "  God 
be  merciful  to  me,  a  sinner,"  When  every  thing 
was  ready,  each  of  the  criminals  prayed  in  his  own 


49 

vernacular  tongue.  The  German  protested  his  in- 
nocence to  the  last.  Johnson  confessed;  and  shak- 
ing hands,  while  they  looked  up  to  heaven,  they  re- 
ciprocally greeted  eaeh  other,  saying,  "  God  bless 
you :  farewell."  In  an  instant  after  this,  Johnson 
perceiving  the  cartman  about  to  drive,  exclaimed, 
w  stop!  stop!  one  minute  longer;  let  me  pray  one 
breath  more!  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner;" 
when  they  were  suspended  together,  and  together 
were  ushered  into  the  presence  of  Jehovah.  When 
Johnson  uttered  his  last  cry,  almost  every  hearer 
involuntarily  prayed  for  him.  Would  to  God  that 
we  all  could  feel  that  the  time-for  prayer  is  precious ! 
Would  to  God  that  all  who  exclaimed  "  God  forgive 
Lin*,"  would  ask,  as  he  did,  "  what  shall  we  do  to  be 
saved  ?" 

If  either  of  these  unhappy  men  is  now  assured 
of- bis  salvation,  the  assurance  has  come  as  soon  as, 
in  -der  their  circumstances,  it  could  be  expected :  and 
if  now  he  sings  "  alleluia  to  the  Lamb ;  doubts  have 
fled,  fear  is  extinguished,  faith  is  superseded,  hope 
is  absorbed  in  fruition,"  it  is  in  the  best  time.  To 
know  the  only  true  God  and  Jesus  Christ,  is  eternal 
life  ;  but  to  be  confident  that  we  savingly  know  them, 
is  not  absolutely  essential.  Yea,  such  confidence,  if 
not  founded  on  thorough  scrutiny  of  religious  expe- 
rience, if  not  derived  from  a  considerable  course  of 
consistent  piety,  is  presumption,  if  not  damning 

DELUSION* 


50 


January  26th. 

"  Let  us  consider  one  another,  to  provoke  tinto  love,  and  to  good 
■works."  Paul. 

LAST  evening  a  member  of  the  Widow's  So- 
ciety made  me  promise,  without  delay,  to  visit  the 
poor  woman  whom  I  saw  on  the  17th  irtst.  It  was 
my  intention  to  have  visited  her  before  this  time ; 
but  many  similar  concerns  might  have  created  a 
longer  delay,  had  I  not  been,  in  Paul's  sense,  pro- 
voked  to  the  work.  She  had  decayed  rapidly,  and 
was  assured  of  speedy  dissolution.  Her  imaginary 
goodness  too  had  fled ;  and  what  she  long  cherished, 
was  now,  in  her  opinion,  pride,  pollution,  misery,  and 
death.  Many  pious  instructions  had  she  received 
from  her  female  benefactors,  and  she  appeared  now 
to  feel  that  she  was  a  sinner,  in  perishing  need  of  a 
Saviour.  This  was  the  time  to  preach  good  news, 
and  I  attempted,  with  more  apparent  success  than 
formerly,  to  show  her  how  a  sinner  might  be  just 
with  God ;  but  whether  she  believes  to  salvation, 
must  be  left  with  the  Searcher  of  hearts. 

January  27th. 
LAST  week  five  patients  died  in  the  Hospital, 
and  while  speaking  there,  this  morning,  in  the  pre- 
sence of  eight  or  nine,  who  were  too  near  the  grave 
to  arise,  one  died  of  an  inflammation  by  a  broken 
leg.  When  first  the  bone  was  fractured,  in  the  line 
of  his  daily  business,  his  wife  could  not  endure  the 
thoughts  of  parting  with  him :  but  her  feeble  attend- 


51 

ance  on  him,  surrounded  by  poverty  and  sickness 
was  insufficient,  and  he  became  delirious.  He  lias 
left,  I  .arn  informed,  a  worthy*"wife,  with  five  small 
children ;  the  youngest  of  which  is  not  more  than 
three  weeks  of  age.  Her  name  and  number  I  have 
taken  as  a  present  to  some  one  of  the  Widow's  So- 
ciety. 

Afternoon.  After  speaking  in  one  room,  I  visited 
another  in  the  Almshouse,  which  is  full  of  sick  per- 
sons. Their  misery  makes  me  sick  at  heart ;  espe- 
cially when  I  consider  that  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten, 
premature  sickness  comes  in  consequence  of  making 
a  god  of  animal  appetite.  One  man,  however,  of 
middle  age,  whose  countenance  indicates  past  intem- 
perance, was  greatly  moved  by  the  word  of  God. 
His  attention  has  been  increasing  for  some  weeks.  O 
may  God  bless  my  poor  labours  to  the  salvation  of 
his  trembling  soul ! 

Evening.  The  widow  whom  I  visited  yesterday, 
is  gone.  Her  departure  I  did  not  imagine  to  be  so 
very  near.  Thanks  to  Mrs.  J.  E —  C — ,  who  urged 
my  last  attentions  to  the  dying  fellow-sinner !  To  re- 
ciprocate her  kindness,  I  presented  the  card  of  the 
lately  bereaved  mother  of  five  babes,  which  she  ac- 
cepted with  an  assurance  of  affording  the  most  im- 
mediate relief  within  her  power. 

January  31st. 
WHEN  I  first  saw  blind  Sally,  I  went  at  the  re- 
quest of  an  elder  of  the  Dutch  church,  to  converse 
with  her  upon  the  concerns  of  her  soul.     She  was 
greatly  troubled,  by  res-on  of  spiritual  darkness; 


52 

and  was  the  first  person  who  besought  me  to  preach 
in  the  Almshouse.  Many  weeks  she  sat  under  the 
preaching  of  the  word,  before  she  found  consolation 
from  faith.  At  length  the  child,  long  before  brought 
to  the  birth,  was  brought  forth  into  God's  marvellous 
light.  Not  long  since  she  was  admitted  to  the  full 
communion  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  church.  When 
under  examination  before  the  consistory,  she  was 
asked  why  she  loved  Christ  ?  and  immediately  re- 
plied, "  we  love  him  because  he  first  loved  us.'* 

Blind  George  was  very  attentive  to  the  word  to- 
night. His  emotions  clearly  indicate  when  he  is 
pleased  or  displeased  with  a  discourse ;  for  all  ser- 
mons are  not  alike  to  him,  nor  is  the  last  sermon  al- 
ways the  best.  He  has  already  committed  several 
hymns  to  memory  since  I  gave  him  a  book,  and  he 
requested  that  I  would  select  some  new  ones  for  him 
to  learn.  This  was  a  pleasing  request ;  and  after  I 
had  folded  down  a  few  leaves  to  guide  his  feeling,  half 
a  dozen  other  hymn  books  were  handed  me  for  the 
same  purpose.  An  old  woman  observed  to  me,  when 
she  presented  hers,  "  all  we  blind  persons  take  great 
pleasure  in  learning,  as  well  as  George."  New  ap- 
plications were  made  by  old  and  young,  for  similar 
books,  with  which,  on  account  of  my  inability  to  gra- 
tify their  wishes,  I  was  almost  as  much  troubled  as 
pleased. 

It  was  gratifying  to  see  another  aged  blind  wo- 
man very  attentive,  who  formerly,  when  a  gentleman, 
Mr.  B.  who  accompanied  me,  said  in  her  hearing, 
"  perhaps  many  of  these  persons  are  more  blind  in 
spirit,  than  in  their  bodily  organs,"  discovered  con- 


63 

siderable  resentment,  and  leaving  the  room,  exclaim- 
ed, "  perhaps  we  are  not  so  blind,  neither !"  Soon 
after  this  I  took  occasion  to  deliver  a  public 
discourse,  in  her  hearing,  from  the  question  of  the 
spiritually  blind  Jews,  "are  we  blind  also?"  Since 
that  time  I  have  often  seen  the  tears  trickle  down 
from  her  aged  eyelids,  (which,  having  no  eyeballs  to 
cover,  could  certainly  not  be  devoted  to  a  better 
use,)  at  the  sound  of  that  Gospel,  which  offers  sight 
to  the  blind,  hearing  to  the  deaf,  speech  to  the  dumb, 
soundness  to  the  lame,  and  life  to  the  dead. 

When  singing  a  hymn,  which  commences  with 
these  lines, 

•*  God  moves  in  a  mysterious  Way 
u  His  wonders  to  perform  ;" 

I  was  surrounded  by  eight  or  ten  boys,  of  about  nine 
years  of  age,  who  tuned  their  little  musical  organs  to 
the  words,  with  all  their  might.  The  sight  of  their 
ragged  garments  and  brilliant  eyes,  accompanied  by 
the  remembrance,  that  some  of  them  are  orphans, 
some  fatherless,  some  motherless,  and  ethers  not  ac- 
knowledged by  any  earthly  parent,  was  calculated 
to  excite  melancholy  feelings.  Some  of  them,  how- 
ever, I  said  to  myself,  since  they  are  instructed  at 
the  benevolent  Free  School,  may  in  some  future  day 
rise  to  usefulness,  influence,  and  even  affluence,  for 
many  have  arisen  from  indigence  to  honour,  and 
have  become  the  ornaments  of  society.  In  such  a 
frame  of  mind,  it  was  more  than  vocal  music  which  I 
heard,  when  they  sung ; 

r*  Behind  a  frowning  providence 
°  He  hides  a  smiln.g  face. 

5  # 


54 


"  His  purposes  will  ripen  fust, 
"  Unfolding  ev'17  hour; 

"'  The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 
r*  But  sweet  will  be  the  flowV." 


February  2nd. 

MY  journal  is  of  necessity  the  record  of  wretch- 
edness. The  unfortunate  Miss  L^^#'^  is  more  fran- 
tic, and  there  is  very  little  reason  to  expect  that  she 
will  ever  be  restored  to  sanity.  The  poor  black 
woman,  who  was  mangled  by  her  husband,  still 
lives,  but  her  head  seems  to  be  a  mass  of  putrefac- 
tion. She  exhibits  an  example  of  patience  and  for- 
giveness, which  is  worthy  of  imitation. 

Another  sufferer  lies  in  the  Hospital,  bereft  of  rea- 
son, who,  not  long  since,  went  to  see  a  tiger,  which 
is  now  exhibited  in  this  city ;  and  while  offering  the 
wild  beast  an  apple,  was  caught  by  the  arm,  a  little 
above  the  wrist,  by  the  paw  of  the  ferocious  crea- 
ture. The  unguarded  prey  was  drawn  violently 
against  the  cage,  and  with  the  loss  of  flesh,  nerves, 
muscles,  tendons,  and  blood-vessels,  from  the  arm, 
with  difficulty  made  his  escape.  Of  all  public 
shows,  those  which  exhibit  the  works  of  creation  are 
the  most  proper ;  but  it  is  dangerous  even  to  stroke 
the  mane  of  a  tame  lion ;  or,  in  proffering  a  favour, 
to  extend  the  hand  to  a  tiger. 

It  would  be  difficult  to  decide  which  was  most 
cruel,  the  tiger  or  the  drunken  African. 


S5 


February  3rd. 

IN  the  ward  of  the  Almshouse  in  which  I  preach- 
ed this  morning,  were  ten  bed-rid  females,  who  cannot 
continue  long  in  life ;  for  they  are  most  of  them 
in  the  latter  stages  of  the  consumption.  A  little  lad, 
who  on  Thursday  evening  entreated  me  to  give  him 
a  book  of  hymns,  to-day  renewed  his  application  with 
great  ardour.  He  was  very  respectful,  but  very  im- 
portunate. I  doubted  his  ability  to  read,  but  he 
soon  convinced  me  of  my  mistake.  Two  books  were 
all  I  had  ;  and  since  several  little  boys  were  watch- 
ing the  success  of  their  companion,  I  presented  one 
to  an  aged  man,  and  put  the  other  in  my  pocket,  for 
a  widow,  to  whom  I  had  partly  promised  one  ;  while 
I  assured  the  children  that  I  would  soon  procure 
some  smaller  books  for  them.  The  little  fellow  was 
so  dejected,  that  he  could  scarcely  refrain  from  weep- 
ing. Down  I  came,  by  the  shortest  passage,  from 
the  upper  story,  to  the  outer  door ;  and  whom  should 
I  meet  there,  but  this  same  child  of  importunity ! 
He  had  descended  by  another  stair-case  into  the 
cellar,  and  came  up  under  the  threshold  over  which 
I  was  to  pass.  There  he  stood,  without  a  hat,  in  a 
storm  of  sleet ;  and  plead,  that  he  was  going  away  to 
the  cotton-factory,  on  the  succeeding  day  ;  and  that 
he  should  never  get  a  book,  if  I  did  not  give  him 
one  now.  At  first  I  did  not  know  that  he  was  to  be 
bound  an  apprentice,  and  asked,  "  When  will  you 
be  here  again  P* 

"  I'm  going  there  to  live :  I'll  not  be  seen  here 


58 

again,  Sir,  very  soon,  if  they  use  me  well  at  the 
factory." 

The  book  was  his ;  and  mine  the  pleasure  of  his 
promise,  that  if  ever  I  saw  him  again,  I  should  see 
his  hymn-book  also.  The  lad  is  sprightly ;  and  I 
am  persuaded  from  the  delicacy  of  his  complexion, 
and  the  brilliancy  of  his  eyes,  that  no  vulgar  blood 
runs  in  his  veins.  Who  can  say  what  will  be  the 
future  history  of  this  book  ?  It  will  go  to  the  factory 
with  the  lad,  and  there,  possibly,  besides  being  of 
service  to  the  owner,  will  be  read  to  other  children, 
or  will  comfort  some  one  infirm  child  of  God,  who,  be- 
ing an  heir  of  glory,  to  learn  patience,  and  have  an 
opportunity  of  imitating  Christ  in  his  humiliation, 
tends  a  cotton-machine,  for  a  scanty  subsistence. 

In  the  afternoon,  my  audience  at  the  Hospital  was 
unusually  full  and  attentive.  Here  my  hearers  are 
frequently  changed.  Some  go  in  a  few  weeks,  others 
come,  and  a  few  remain  for  the  greater  part  of  a  year. 
By  death  and  restoration,  the  inhabitants  of  one 
ward  have  been  almost  entirely  changed  in  three 
weeks.  A  preacher  here  resembles  a  guide-post 
indeed;  for  he  stands  beside  a  public  road,  multi- 
tudes pass  him ;  he  points  them  to  the  path  which 
leads  to  a  better  country,  and  they  are  soon  out  of 
sight.  Some  of  the  doctrines  of  the  cross,  however, 
which  are  taught  in  this  place,  may  be  carried  in  the 
minds  of  the  seamen  to  distant  lands.  Some  mari- 
ner may  remember  a  discourse  about  the  blessed 
Saviour  in  a  storm ;  and  some  forlorn  female,  thought- 
lessly returning  to  her  former  abode,  may  find  ar- 
rows of  truth  fastened  in  the  mind,  of  which  she 


0? 

was  insensible,  and  which  may  eventually  give  her 
no  peace,  until  her  polluted  conscience  is  cleansed, 
and  her  wounded  heart  healed,  by  divine  grace. 

Several  abandoned  women  listened  to  my  discourse 
to-day ;  and  among  them  was  a  beautiful  girl  of  only 
fifteen  years  of  age.  It  was  astonishing  to  see  so 
fair  and  young  a  person  as  M.  D.  in  such  a  situation. 
She  was  brought  so  the  Hospital  by  her  father,  who 
has  two  other  daughters  beside  this,  who  have  been 
patients  in  this  Institution.  The  eldest  sister  led 
the  way ;  the  younger  sisters  followed.  In  eatly 
childhood  they  were  all  left  motherless ;  and  the  fa- 
ther, as  is  commonly  the  case  with  labouring  men, 
had  no  time  to  stand  sentinel  over  the  chastity  of 
three  fair  daughters. 

February  llh. 

IN  the  course  of  the  last  week,  several  blind  peo- 
ple have  committed  a  long  hymn  to  memory,  and 
this  evening  they  sung  it :  so  that  my  blind  hearers 
contrive  to  perform  their  part  of  public  worship 
with  great  propriety. 

The  little  sprightly  beggar  of  a  book  was  gone  to 
the  factory.  Seme  of  the  aged  men,  who  baAe  been 
without  God,  appear  to  be  awakened  from  their  stu- 
pidity, and  requested  that  our  next  meeting  might 
be  in  their  ward.  It  is  a  singular  fact,  that  all  my 
public  preaching  hitherto  has  been  in  the  rooms  of 
the  female  paupers,  and  that  the  chief  nurse3  of 
those  rooms  are  pious.  They  have  contributed 
much  to  my  comfort,  by  making  their  rooms  clean 
for  my  reception.     Some  unusual  exertion,  which 


58 

was  much  needed,  has  uniformly  been  made  to  puri- 
fy the  apartments  where  our  assemblies  have  been 
convened.  If  no  other  purification  should  result 
from  our  coming  together,  this  will  be  no  trivial  be- 
Hefit  to  the  poor. 

February  10th. 

AN  aged  man  presensed  nie  the  petition  of  a  blind 
boy,  who  desired  a  hymn-book.  The  boy  was  born 
blind,  but  could  sing,  as  1  before  had  learned,  many 
sacred  son?s.  He  can  commit  to  memory  any  com- 
mon chapter  in  the  Bible,  by  hearing  it  read  a  few 
times.  It  was  decided  that  he  should  have  the  book, 
which  was  intended  for  my  own  use. 

When  I  entered  the  room,  I  spake  to  the  aged 
woman,  whose  case  I  have  stated  in  the  16th  page 
of  this  journal.  She  expressed  great  gratitude  to 
God  for  giving  her  this  holy  day,  and  said  she  hoped 
He  would  five  me  something  good  to  give  them. 
During  the  service,  she  was  much  affected;  and 
after  it,  bathing  my  hand  with  her  tears,  she  said, 
"  O  what  a  coot  Cot  I  have !  He  give  me  all  things. 
Ho  could  my  plessed  Saviour  stoop  so  low  as  me, 
as  pick  up  me,  poor  sinner !  He  cover  my  naked- 
ness, wash  me,  make  me  see,  make  me  feel,  and  take 
me  to  be  his !  O  my  plessed  Jasus !"  I  asked  her  if 
she  could  not  read  a  Welch  Testament.  She  could, 
if  she  had  it,  and  her  eye-sight  was  not  almost  gone. 
"  Well,  then,  I  hope  Christ  will  continue  to  teach 
you  by  his  Spirit." 

"  O  he  has,  he  does,  I  know  he  will ;  I  can  under- 
stand you  when  you  read  the  English  Bible ;  as  my 


59 

prother,  the  minister,  said,  he  will  never  leave  mc. 
he  is  my  plessed  husband,  the  bridegroom,  and  my 
record  is  on  high." 

"  Had  you  then  a  brother,  who  was  a  preacher  ?" 

"  You,  you  I  mean;  you  pe  my  prother  in 
Christ." 

When  I  returned  to  my  lodgings,  a  gentleman  gave 

me  a  book  for  W.  R ,  the  blind  boy  ;  so  that  the 

writer  had  the  pleasure  of  giving  and  receiving. 

The  Hospital  I  found,  this  afternoon,  unusually 
full.  Besides  about  sixty  lunatics,  it  contains  at  pre* 
sent  two  hundred  and  forty  patients.  In  addition  to 
these,  there  are  many  servants  and  nurses  in  the 
house,  who  compose  a  part  of  my  audience.  They 
can  better  attend  public  worship  here  than  they 
could  any  where  else ;  because  when  some  under 
their  care  are  dangerously  ill,  they  can  unite  in 
prayer,  or  hear  the  sermon,  and  immediately  be  at 
the  bed-side  of  their  respective  charges. 

The  deluded  child  of  fifteen  years,  M.  D.  was 
present,  and  paid  solemn  attention.  But  she  is  sick 
now ;  and  many  are  serious  while  a  fever  racres  in 
their  blood,  who,  with  returning  health,  return  to 
their  former  stupidity.  This  unfortunate  I  design 
to  trace,  if  possible,  in  her  future  course.  It  cannot 
be  a  long  one ;  unless  God  should  reclaim  her  by  the 
power  of  the  Gospel.  Should  she  evince  a  disposi- 
tion to  live  a  moral  life  in  future,  must  she  be  turned 
out  again  upon  the  world,  to  encounter  strong  temp- 
tation ?  The  Hospital  is  designed  for  the  sick,  and 
must  not  therefore  be  occupied  by  the  sound. 
When  she  is  restored  to  health,  she  must  return  to  a 


GO 

worthless  father's  house,  where  she  will  find  the  sis* 
ters  who  seduced  her.  The  eldest  took  her  to  a 
dancing  house,  provided  a  gallant  for  her,  and  after 
much  solicitation,  persuaded  her  to  become  a  mis- 
tress. M— -  thinks  she  should  never  have  yielded, 
had  it  not  been  for  the  precept  and  example  of  this 
syren  sister.  The  three  daughters  have  all  been 
ensnared  by  their  beauty,  pride,  and  idleness.  No 
mother  taught  them  to  be  industrious ;  no  mother 
warned  them  of  the  horrible  pit  into  which  they 
have  fallen.  Their  father  thinks  it  enough  to  pro- 
vide himself  food  and  drink.  By  what  profession, 
then,  could  they  live ;  hy  what  art  could  they  adorn 
their  persons?  Under  such  circumstances,  where 
there  is  no  fear  of  God,  an  effectual  repulsion  of  in* 
sidious  approaches,  a  persevering  struggle  against 
temptation,  need  not  be  expected.  It  will  never  be 
found. 

At  present  M-—  professes  to  detest  her  past  man- 
ner of  life ;  but,  alas  !  I  fear !  She  is  too  proud,  and 
has  been  too  much  caressed,  to  become  at  present  a 
good  servant  to  any  body  but  the  devil.  She  has 
no  trade ;  there  is  no  Magdalen  Asylum  in  which  her 
protection  shall  depend  upon  her  good  behaviour; 
she  must  return  to  her  former  abode  of  temptation ; 
and  there  was  a  poison  in  the  cup  which  she  tasted, 
that  will  perpetually  irritate  insatiable  desire. 

In  such  a  city  as  this,  in  which  are  not  less  tlfan 
seven  thousand  females  of  this  description^  it  is  de* 
voutly  to  be  desired,  that  some  retreat  should  be 
afforded  to  those,  who,  from  any  cause,  ar?  willing 
to  relinquish  their  vices  ;  and  that  some  association 


should  be  formed,  which  shall  save  at  least  a  few 
from  what  they  deem  the  necessity  of  prostituting 
themselves  for  a  piece  of  bread. 

After  service,  I  prayed  with  the  wounded  negro 
woman,  of  whose  recovery  there  is  some  hope.  A 
large  part  of  her  skull  is  made  bare  by  suppuration, 
and  several  parts  of  the  cheek  bone  have  come 
away ;  but  she  is  perfectly  patient,  and  resigned  to 
life  or  death.  She  is  one  of  the  weak  things  of  the 
world,  who,  by  her  patience  and  humble  confidence 
in  Christ,  is  calculated  to  confound  the  wise.  Is  she 
a  fool?  She  feels  pain  as  sensibly  as  other  persons;- 
and  comforts  herself  with  the  plain  doctrines  of  the 
Gospel.  The  man  of  science  will  find,  on  his  deaths 
bed,  that  this  is  enviable  "  foolishness.'* 

February  1 4th. 

H  Now  also,  when  I  am  old  and  gray-headed,  0  God,  forsake  me 
not."  Psalm  Ixxi.  18. 

THIS  was  my  text  this  evening,  in  the  ward  of 
aged  and  infirm  men.  The  room  was  more  capa- 
cious than  any  I  have  preached  in,  and  contained 
about  two  hundred  souls.  Every  corner,  bed,  and 
bench,  was  full.  Very  many  of  my  hearers  were 
gray-headed  men.  Some  of  them  were  the  most 
perfect  pictures  which  my  mind  can  conceive  of  ve- 
nerable decrepitude  and  adversity.  Some  of  them 
were  like  aged  trees,  whose  decayed  roots  have 
yielded  them  to  the  blasts  of  winter.  They  have 
fallen  on  their  beds  to  arise  no  more.  They  can  be 
moved  by  others,  but  their  leaves  are  no  longer 
green,  and  their  branches  no  longer  wave  in  the  air. 
6 


62 

Bo  long  have  they  stood,  that  the  younger  trees, 
which  grew  after  them,  have  mouldered  into  cUist* 
and  not  a  single  scion  shoots  up  around  the  withered 
stump. 

Others  of  them  still  stand,  but  they  resemble  the 
solitary  oak  in  the  field,  whose  companions  of  the 
forest,  all,  all  are  gone ;  whose  branches  have  fallen, 
down,  whose  body  is  moss-grown,  whose  top  has 
been  shattered  by  the  lightnings  of  heaven,  and  which 
even  now  trembles  to  its  fall* 

"  Thus  shivered  hy  the  lurid  lightning's  hlast, 
"  The  dying  fir,  late  monarch  of  the  grove, 

f  Still  aims  at  heaven,  with  naked  arms  upcast, 
"  And  pays,  or  seems  to  pay,  its  wrath  with  love." 

W.  M.  Johnson. 

O  my  God,  when  I  am  old  and  gray-headed,  for^ 
sake  me  not ;  and  if  I  cannot  preach  to  others,  let 
others  speak  to  me  of  Jesus  Christ*  the  sinner's 
righteousness,  strength,  and  salvation ! 

W.  R — ,  the  blind  boy*  repeated  a  hymn  which 
he  had  committed  to  memory  since  I  saw  him  last* 
With  a  desire  to  know  if  the  blind  can  have  any 
notion  of  sight,  I  said,  "  my  poor  little  boy,  have 
you  ever  seen  one  ray  of  light  ?" 

He  rolled  up  his  half-formed,  sightless  eye-balls, 
and  said,  "  I  can  tell  by  my  feelings  when  it  is  day, 
and  when  it  is  night;  when  there  is  light  in  the 
room,  and  when  there  an't :  that's  all,  Sir." 

"  Can  you  think  how  a  man  in  appearance  differs 
from  a  tree  ?" 

"  I  have  never  seen  a  tree,  but  I  know  how  a  mart 
feels." 


63 

"  "Well,  child,  you  must  hear  v» hat  Christ  says : 
believe  in  him,  love  him ;  for  he  died  for  sinners ; 
and  then  you  will  see  him  in  a  better  world." 

When  I  was  going  down  stairs,  the  man,  "  whose 
countenance  indicates  past  intemperance,' -  referred 
to  under  the  date  of  January  27th,  and  who  has  been 
unusually  serious  ever  since,  presented  himself,  and 
said,  in  a  low  voice,  that  he  should  be  very  thankful 
if  I  could  procure  him  a  hymn-book.  It  was  his  in- 
tention to  have  made  the  application  privately,  that 
he  might  not  have  rivals ;  but  two  or  three  aged  wo- 
men heard  him,  and  expressed  their  hope  that  I 
should  not  forget  them.  The  books  already  distri- 
buted, I  see  at  least  twice  a  week,  and  find  that  they 
are  devoted  to  a  proper  use.  Shall  this  man,  ap- 
parently under  deep  conviction,  a  shoe-maker  for 
paupers,  be  denied  his  request?  The  books  cost 
about  fifty  cents  each.  It  is  a  small  sum,  indeed,  but 
it  may  accomplish  much  good. 

February  17  th. 
FOR  more  than  a  week,  with  the  exception  of 
Thursday  evening,  and  a  few  hours  on  Friday,  I 
have  been  confined  to  my  room  by  sickness  ;  but  to- 
day I  found  the  way  to  the  Hospital  and  Almshouse, 
and  was  enabled  to  preach  in  both  places,  to  many 
more  grievously  afflicted  than  myself.  All  very  so- 
licitously   inquired  after   my   health;    and  without 


tor  ttiV  re- 


doubt, many  sincere  Dravers  were  offered  fa 
covery.     beorge  sat  on  one  side  of  me,   and   the 

blind  boy  on  the  other.     Before  me  stood  a  table, 

covered  with  coarse,  but  clean  linen,  which  served 


64 

me  for  a  pulpit,  and  supported  a  quarto  Bible.  It 
was  the  better  for  wear ;  and  although  the  property 
of  an  individual,  yet  the  use  has  been  common  to 
many  widows,  who  have  designated  passages  of  pe* 
culiar  interest  to  them,  by  more  than  one  hundred 
different  shreds  of  calico.  Until  the  Bible  Society, 
composed  of  young  men,  began  a  distribution  in  the 
Almshouse,  the  word  of  God  was  a  scarce  article 
among  the  children  of  poverty^.  New  applications 
were  made  for  hymn-books,  by  some  who  told  me 
they  were  "  poor  old  creatures,  and  had  nothing  but 
religion  to  comfort  them."  Not  one  obtained  the 
favour  which  he  sought,  but  they  shall  be  gratified, 
if  God  preserves  me,  and  gives  the  opportunity  of 
seeing  them  at  the  appointed  time  of  social  praise. 


February  21st. 

W.  R — ,  who  is  without  father,  without  mother, 
and  without  relative,  or,  at  least,  without  any  person 
who  recognizes  relation  either  by  blood  or  affinity, 
repeated  seven  stanzas  which  he  had  committed  to 
memory  since  the  last  sabbath. 

To  the  poor  old  creatures  I  gave  neither  silver  nor 
gold ;  but  what  may  be  of  more  use  to  them,  a  ser- 
mon, and  some  sacred  songs.  When  the  ignorant 
are  anxious  to  learn,  to  teach  them  what  relates  to 
their  everlasting  peace,  affords  higher  gratification, 

'"  ine  young  men  msi  suiiffiii  uiu  uic  tuiwc  *v,«w/t  uicy  marw 
not ,-  and  since  that  time,  the  poor  in  the  Hospital  and  Almshouse 
have  been  honourably  supplied  by  the  two  Bible  Societies  in  this 
city.     The  Bibles  have  been  uniformly  preserred  with  great  care. 


65 


than  the  luxury  of  that  praise  which  is  bestowed  by 
the  good ;  a  luxury,  which  none  but  idiots  would 
reject. 


February  22nd. 

■  ■  •■■  In"  vain 


"  To  rave  at  mischief,  if  the  cause  remain." 

IT  is  the  duty  of  Christians  to  seek  the  wanderer, 
and  if  possible,  reclaim  the  most  abandoned.  If  pro- 
per means  are  not  used  to  reform  those,  who  have  de- 
parted from  the  paths  of  peace,  the  pious  ought  not  to 
complain,  that  the  wicked  continue  in  iniquity ;  and 
that  persons  once  polluted  return  to  their  wallowing 
in  sensuality.  What  has  been  done  to  restore  the 
fallen  females  of  this  city  ?  To  which  of  them  has 
any  benevolent  society  proffered  protection?  What 
female  has  sought  to  convince  one  of  the  miserable 
of  her  own  sex,  that  the  door  of  mercy  is  unfolded, 
and  that  there  is  hope  for  one,  who  may  have  been 
the  habitation  of  seven  devils  ? 

It  would  be  grateful  to  believe  that  many  have  so 
far  subdued  what  is  called  the  pride  of  chastity  as 
to  imitate  the  Saviour  of  sinners  in  seeking  the  lost. 
Unkindness  and  contempt  have  hardened  many 
wretched  wanderers,  and  left  others  to  sink,  who  pos- 
sibly might  have  been  saved.  Legion  is  the  name 
of  that  Unhappy  class  of  persons,  who,  in  the  fond- 
ness of  expectation,  in  the  security  of  promise,  in 
the  ardour  of  youth,  and  madness  of  blood,  have  once 
yielded  to  the  strong  allurements  of  pleasure,  hut  who 
would  never  have  yielded  to  a  second  deceiver,  had 
not  the  scorn  of  cruel  relatives  forced  them  to  the 
6  * 


66 

streets  for  bread ;  or  to  the  bagnio,  for  the  gloomy 
satisfaction  of  securing  an  untimely  grave. 

Could  we  trust  our  own  integrity  to  shield  our  re- 
putation, or  could  we  bear  unjust  reproach  for  Christ's 
sake,  we  might  visit,  with  hearts  of  mercy,  and  hands 
of  beneficence,  the  most  notorious  offenders. 

The  writer  has  to-day  witnessed  one  laudable  at- 
tempt. Two  ladies,  on  Wednesday  last,  read  what 
of  my  journal  was  then  written,  and  felt  such  an  in- 
terest in  the  girl  of  fifteen,  M.  D — ,  that  they  re- 
solved to  invite  her  return  from  perdition.  One  of 
these  pious  persons  accompanied  me  to  the  Hospi- 
tal, and  held  a  private  conference  with  the  motherless 
child,  who  wept,  professed  a  desire  to  reform,  and 
seemed  grateful  for  the  attention.  She  could  not 
read  ;  neither  can  she  repeat  the  "  Lord's  prayer." 
What  must  have  employed  the  attention  of  her  fa- 
ther ?  Alas !  he  is  one  of  those  parents,  of  whom 
great  Milton  says, 

"  Yet  they  a  beauteous  offspring  shall  beget. 

"  For  that  fair  female  troop  thou  saw'st,  that  seem'd 

"  Of  goddesses,  so  blithe,  so  smooth,  so  gay, 

"  Yet  empty  of  all  good,  wherein  consists 

"  Woman's  domestic  honour  and  chief  praise  ; 

"  Bred  only  and  completed  to  the  taste 

*'  Of  lustful  appetence,  to  sing,  to  dance, 

*'  To  dress,  and  troll  the  tongue,  and  roll  the  eye." 

Paradise  Lost,  B    xi.  1.  613. 

These  children  of  Cain  are  numerous;  and  pa- 
rents of  this  description,  who  ought  to  sustain  the 
double  office  of  father  and  mother  to  their  daughters, 
must  render  a  most  solemn  account  in  the  general 
judgment.     How  many  must  confess  that  they  have 


f>7 

been  the  indirect  causes  of  the  prostitution  of  their 
families !  "  If  thou  sayest,  <  behold,  we  knew  it  not,' 
doth  not  he  that  pondereth  the  heart  consider  it? 
and  he  that  keepeth  thy  soul,  doth  not  he  know  it  ? 
and  shall  not  he  render  to  every  man  according  to 
his  works?" 

February  24th. 
Dr.  M —  delivered  an  excellent  discourse  in  the 
Hospital  this  morning,  to  a  very  attentive  audience ; 
and  expressed  his  full  conviction,  that  it  is  as  im- 
portant to  maintain  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  in 
this  Institution,  as  in  any  congregation  in  the  city. 
Every  minister  who  has  given  me  assistance,  and  all 
the  gentlemen  who  have  attended  public  worship 
with  us,  have  expressed  the  same  opinion. 

— o*c»— 

February  28th. 
THIS  evening,  with  George  on  my  right,  and 
the  blind  boy  on  my  left,  we  sung  three  new 
hymns,  to  as  many  new  tunes.  The  blind  commit 
to  memory  with  great  facility;  which  astonishes 
me ;  because  when  others  learn  to  repeat  what 
is  written,  they  are  greatly  assisted  by  recollect- 
ing the  place  which  they  have  seen.  One  who 
preaches  from  memory,  I  am  informed,  thinks  of  the 
paragraph  and  page,  and  even  turns  over  the  leaves 
in  imagination ;  but  the  memory  of  the  blind  cannot 
be  local.  They  must  think,  and  their  minds  must 
review  their  own  operations,  more  accurately,  than 
the  greater  part  of  idle  gazers  on  the  works  of  God. 
Six  or  eight  blind  persons  caD  repeat  more  sacred 


poetry  and  passages  of  inspiration,  than  all  the  other 
inhabitants  of  the  Almshouse.  W.  R—  repeated 
another  hymn.  He  can  always  tell  me  the  number 
of  the  hymn,  and  the  page. 

In  singing,  my  blind  musician,  very  unexpectedly, 
repeated,  and  repeated  again,  the  second  line  of  the 
fourth  stanza,  of  the  86th  hymn ; 

"  Midst  outward  afflictions  shall  feel  Christ  within  j" 

and  onward  all  proceeded,  with  as  much  ease,  and 
with  as  little  discord,  as  had  the  repeat  been  written 
in  the  music.  The  deviation  was  so  appropriate, 
that  every  one,  who  had  heard,  would  have  honour- 
ed the  judgment  of  this  eccentric  singer.  The 
crowd  of  hearers  was  so  great,  that  many  were 
obliged  to  stand,  and  some  on  crutches  too ;  so  that 
every  square  foot  of  room  was  occupied,  except  im- 
mediately before  the  fire,  where  the  preacher  stood, 
very  much  to  his  disadvantage.  But  the  Lord  gave 
the  hearing  ear,  and  one  could  well  afford  to  suffer 
from  the  want  of  fresh  air.  To  stand  in  a  confined 
atmosphere,  before  a  warm  fire,  amidst  (he  sick,  who 
are  attentive,  is  not  so  painful  to  the  heart,  as  to 
preach  in  a  spacious  church,  to  empty  seats,  or  to 
thoughtless  people,  who  either  whisper,  cough  need- 
lessly, examine  faces,  or  slumber.  All  ministers  of 
the  Gospel  must  have  their  respective  trials ! 

Of  many  of  my  hearers,  I  may  safely  say,  that  I 
have  good  hope  of  their  spiritual  welfare.  Go4  bkss 
the  poor. 


69 


March  3rd. 

**  He  answered,  and  said,  *  I  will  not ;'  but  afterward  he  repented 
and  went."  Matt.  xxi.  29. 

IN  the  Hospital  these  words  commanded  atten- 
tion ;  and  every  eye  was  fixed,  from  the  beginning 
to  the  end  of  the  discourse. 

Three  times,  weekly,  I  have  an  audience,  more 
Fesembling  that  which  Christ  commonly  addressed, 
than  can  be  found  in  any  place  not  devoted  to  the 
poor  and  wretched.  May  I  but  tread  in  the  steps  of 
my  divine  Master,  blessed  will  be  my  ministry. 
Deeply  do  I  regret,  however,  that  there  should  be 
so  much  occasion  to  address  lewd  persons  as  there 
really  is,  and  that  multitudes  of  them  should  never 
hear  the  word  of  life.  The  language  of  Christ  in 
the  context  was  applicable  to  some  of  my  hearers ; 
for  some  amiable  young  persons,  moral  in  life,  who 
say,  "  we  go,  Lord ;  but  go  not,"  were  seated  around 
me ;  and  to  these  intimate  friends  I  said,  alas !  with 
truth,  "  verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  publicans  and 
harlots  go  into  the  kingdom  of  God  before  you." 

In  the  Almshouse  I  preached  in  a  ward  which  was 
full  of  poor  mothers  with  little  children.  They 
would  cry,  and  required  attention  continually.  It 
was  no  favourable  place  for  thought  and  speech,  and 
I  was  not  a  little  interrupted  by  fifty  babes.  The 
poor  women,  however,  were  anxious  to  hear  what 
they  could  of  the  discourse,  and  a  small  portion  of 
the  word  of  life  is  better  than  no  food. 


70 


March  7th. 


W.  R — ,  the  blind  lad,  repeated  several  hymns. 
I  havre  heard  him  read  a  chapter  in  the  Bible.  He 
must  have  the  book  in  his  hand,  opened  at  the  place, 
(from  habit,  I  suppose,)  when  he  will  commence,  and 
finish  the  reading  of  many  chapters,  with  the  omis- 
sion of  only  a  few  words.  The  person  who  first 
paid  attention  to  this  child  deserves  high  praise.  It 
was  Mrs.  ff*.****,  an  aged  Dorcas,  abundant  in  all 
good  works.  She  found  him,  not  merely  blind,  but 
like  the  greater  part  of  the  children  at  that  time, 
abounding  with  a  very  undesirable  animation,  and  ig- 
norant as  the  beasts  which  perish.  She  began  to 
cultivate  his  mind ;  and  by  the  assistance  of  "  the 
Friendly  Union  Society,"  in  catechising  him,  the 
benighted  orphan  has  obtained  as  much  knowledge  of 
religion  as  most  boys  of  his  age  possess.  He  learns, 
weekly,  more  divine  songs,  and  passages  of  the  Bible* 
than  any  of  ins  companions  in  years  who  enjoy  the 
light. 

March  9th. 

tl  Cast  thy  bread  upon  the  waters :  for  thou  shall  find  it  after 

many  days."* 
'■  He  that  hath  pity  on  the  poor  lendeth  unto  the  Lord;  and  that 

which  he  hath  given  will  He  pay  him  again." 

TKE  pious  person,  of  accurate  observation,  will 
never  want  evidence  of  the  divine  faithfulness .  The 
promises  of  God,  which  relate  to  the  present  life, 
as  well  as  those  which  respect  the  future,  are  un- 
doubtedly fulfilled.     Who  ever  perished  witb  hun- 


It 

ger,  that  so  trusted  in  the  Lord  as  to  be  an  heir  of 
this  promise,  "  verily  thou  shalfc  be  fed  ?"  W  ho 
ever  "  waited  patiently  for  the  Lord*"  and  could  not 
affirm,  in  the  promised  hour,  "  he  inclined  unto  me, 
and  heard  my  cry :  he  brought  me  up  also  out  of  an 
horrible  pit,  out  of  the  miry  clay,  audsetmy  feet  up- 
on a  rock,  and  established  my  goings  ?"  I  am  young, 
and  have  seen  many  promises  fulfilled.  There  are 
jnany  who  can  declare,  "  we  are  old ;  yet  have  we 
not  seen  the  righteous  forsaken,  nor  his  seed  begging 
bread."  This  is  a  general  rule,  that  he  who  feeds 
the  young  ravens  when  they  cry,  will  make  all  neces- 
sary provision  for  the  offspring  of  his  people ;  and 
when  we  find  the  child  of  a  good  man  reduced  to 
beggary,  there  is  commonly  good  reason  to  conclude, 
that  the  parents  of  the  vagabond,  like  Eli  and  Sa- 
muel, were  defective  in  family  government.  The 
promise  which  is  subjoined  to  the  command,  "  train 
up  a  child  in  the  way  he  siould  go,"  is  not  un- 
frequently  thought  to  be  abrogated,  because  many 
pious  heads  of  families  have  the  reputation  of  com- 
manding  (heir  households  after  them,  who,  in  fact, 
when  their  sons  make  themselves  vile,  restrain  them 
not.  Prove  that  a  child  has  really  been  educated 
and  governed  as  he  ought  to  have  been ;  and  I  will 
then  prove,  that  when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart 
from  the  way  of  life. 

To-day  I  have  seen  that  bread  returned,  which 
many  years  since  wa&  cast  upon  the  waters. 

In  the  war,  which  separated  the  United  States 
from  the  crown  of  England,  a  family  was  much  re- 
duced, by  the  death  of  one  of  the  heads,  and  the 


72 

loss  of.  all  his  personal  property.  The  widow, 
with  her  two  daughters,  who  were  then  young 
ladies,  were  necessitated  to'  keep  boarders  for 
their  subsistence.  Among  their  boarders,  was  a 
native  of  New-England,  and  a  soldier  in  the  cause 
of  liberty ;  who,  while  a  resident  in  the  widow's 
family,  was  visited  with  dangerous  sickness,  and 
must  have  died,  had  not  the  daughters  of  his 
hostess  treated  him  with  the  most  benevolent  atten- 
tion. For  six  weeks  they  watched  the  wavering 
flame  of  life,  with  the  tenderness  of  sisters,  and  ex- 
pected daily  to  see  the  last  glimmerings  extinguished 
by  the  dampness  of  death.  It  pleased  the  Lord  to 
preserve  the  soldier ;  but  he  was  poor ;  and  his  at- 
tendants knew  it.  They  did  not  expect  remunera- 
tion ;  nor  was  he  able,  in  the  hard  times,  which  our 
fathers  saw,  by  the  soldier's  pay,  never  paid  to  many 
of  the  brave,  to  discharge  even  the  bill  of  his  lodg- 
ing. So  soon  as ?  his  health  would  permit,  he  shoul- 
dered his  gun,  and  marched  away,  to  unite  with  his 
companions  in  contest.  Never  did  he  again  see  his 
female  guardians ;  but,  for  many  years  after,  he  told 
the  tale  of  his  misery,  and  their  kindness,  to  his  wife 
and  friends,  in  the  land  of  his  nativity. 

The  widow  and  the  fatherless  cast  their  bread  up- 
on the  waters :  they  had  pity  upon  the  poor  soldier. 
The  widow  is  dead :  the  soldier  has  fought  his  last 
battle,  in  which,  through  Christ,  he  was  victorious ; 
has  laid  aside  his  armour,  and  now  slumbers  with 
those,  who  shall  awake  on  the  morning  of  the  resur- 
rection, to  walk  with  the  Captain  of  their  salvation  in 
the  pure  robes  of  righteousness.    The  two  daughters 


73 

survive.  The  widow  and  the  son  of  the  departed 
soldier  are  also  in  the  land  of  the  living.  The  son  is 
in  Europe ;  but  his  wife  and  mother  are  in  this  city. 
A  few  days  since,  they  knew  not  that  any  of  the  fa- 
mily which  had  supported  their  near  relative  were  in 
want,  or  even  in  life.  But  a  benevolent  young  man, 
of  the  Episcopal  church,  asked  of  them  assistance 
for  two  poor  maiden  ladies,  who  were  in  poverty. 
The  daughter-in-law  of  the  deceased  patriot  paid 
them  a  visit.  On  learning  her  name,  they  told  her 
the  story  of  a  soldier  of  the  same  name,  and  she 
made  report  to  her  mother-in-law.  Behold,  it  was 
her  husband  of  whom  the  poor  women  spake. 

It  was  a  remarkable  providence,  which  brought 
this  young  lady  to  the  assistance  of  persons,  who, 
without  her  knowledge,  had  more  than  thirty  years 
ago  preserved  the  life  of  her  husband's  father.  One 
of  the  females  is  sick,  and  her  sister  watches  over 
her  sleepless  nights,  but  that  which  they  loaned  to 
the  poor,  when  they  were  in  more  prosperous  cir- 
cumstances, is  now  returning  to  them  with  interest. 

Reader,  would  you  provide  for  the  days  of  want, 
which  may  come  ?  Would  you  secure  friends  for  the 
day  of  adversity  ?  Remember  the  poor,  visit  the  wi- 
dow, comfort  the  fatherless ;  aixl  when  you  are  re- 
duced to  a  piece  of  bread,  or  a  handful  of  meal,  may 
the  descendant  of  some  one  who  was  relieved  by 
your  bounty,  furnish  you  with  a  covering,  and  a  few 
sticks  of  wood,  at  least,  to  warm  your  withered  frame, 
that  you  may  be  grateful  to  God,  while  you  say,  with 
new  convictions  of  its  truth,  that  "  it  is  more  bless- 
ed to  give  than  to  receive." 


?4 


March  10th. 

ON  the  24th  of  the  last  month,  the  writer  preach 
ed  in  the  ward  of  the  Almshouse  in  which  he  held 
public  worship  this  morning:  but  the  room  was  al- 
most cleared  of  its  late  inhabitants.  He  was  then 
surrounded  by  many,  who  have  since  gone  to  the 
state  of  the  dead,  and  others  are  stretched  on  the 
same  beds,  to  die  in  their  turn,  in  the  same  manner. 
It  may  be  necessary,  here,  to  observe,  that  those 
persons  who  are  unable  to  support  themselves  in 
sickness,  are  carried  to  the  Hospital,  when  there  is  a 
probability  of  their  being  restored  to  health ;  but 
when  they  have  chronical  complaints,  or  when  the 
Hospital  is  full,  they  are  brought  to  the  Almshouse, 
to  die  and  be  buried  at  the  public  expense.  Ser- 
vants and  labourers,  who  have  not  been  sufficiently 
prudent  or  successful,  to  make  provision  for  a  linger- 
ing disease,  find  this  Institution  their  last  home — but 
one.  From  the  Hospital,  those  who  are  pronounced 
incurable  are  also  removed  to  this  place,  that  their  re- 
moval may  make  room  for  new  patients,  who  may  be 
assisted  by  the  medical  and  surgical  attendance. 

M.  D — ,  «the  girl  of  fifteen  years,  with  returning 
health,  appears  less  humble,  so  that  the  intended  be- 
nevolence of  the  ladies  who  compassionated  her,  will 
probably  be  frustrated.  Much  it  is  to  be  feared  that 
she  is  ruined  for  time  and  eternity.  It  has  been 
found  difficult  to  procure  any  place  in  a  decent  fa* 
mily,  where  it  is  proper  that  she  should  reside.  The 
situation  of  these  women  in  the  Hospital  is  unfavour- 


75 

able  to  reformation ;  for  it  is  impossible  to  exclude 
them  from  all  intercourse  with  wicked  men.  Possi- 
bly, restraint,  counsel,  and  kindness,  might  pluck 
some  of  them  from  the  flames.  Again  I  exclaim, 
"  O  for  a  Lock,  or  Magdalen  Hospital*,"  The 
different  sexes  should  not  only  have  different  apart- 
ments, but  be  confined  in  different  buildings.  In 
the  Magdalen  of  London,  many  are  preserved  from 
the  contempt  of  the  world,  idleness,  temptation,  and 
themselves.  Some  might  be  instructed  in  religion, 
and  the  useful  arts :  yea,  some  in  this  city,  as  well 
as  the  metropolis  of  England,  might  be  rescued 
from  perdition. 

Would  it  not  be  lawful,  and  is  it  not  expedient,  to 
confine  in  work-houses  some  of  the  clamorous  and 
diseased  persons,  who  are  a  nuisance  to  the  city? 
Bridewell  is  a  place  by  far  too  narrow  for  one  out  of 
every  hundred,  who  should  be  kept  at  some  honest 
business,  for  their  own  support.  The  morals  of  many 
very  young  men  are  corrupted,  and  their  health  de- 
stroyed, by  the  allurements  of  those,  who  walk  at  li- 
berty, spreading  the  pestilence  in  all  their  way. 
"  At  the  window  of  my  house,"  every  man  of  ob- 
servation in  this  city  may  say,  "  I  looked  through 
my  casement,  and  beheld  among  the  simple  ones,  I 
discerned  among  the  youths,  a  young  man,  void  of 
understanding,  passing  through  the  street,  near  her 
corner ;  and  he  went  the  way  to  her  house  in  the 
twilight,  in  the  evening,  in  the  black  and  dark  night : 

*  These  Institutions  in  London  are  exclusively  devoted  to  out 
cast  females.  The  first  heals  them  ;  the  second  protects  aad 
provides  for  them. 


76 

and,  behold,  there  met  him  a  woman subtle  of 

heart."  "  With  her  much  fair  speech,  she  caused 
him  to  yield ;  with  the  flattering  of  her  lips  she 
forced  him."  The  writer  has  seen  a  youth  of  fifteen 
}rears  going  "  after  her  straightway,  as  an  ox  goeth 
to  the  slaughter,  or  as  a  fool  to  the  correction  of  the 
stocks,  till  a  dart  strike  through  his  liver,  as  a  bird 
hasteth  to  the  snare,  and  knoweth  not  that  it  is  for 
bis  life."  This  is  stated,  that  parents  may  beware 
betimes ;  for  many  never  caution  their  children,  from 
fastidious  delicacy,  until  it  is  too  late ;  too  late  for 
ever ! 

Last  week,  a  child  was  found,  in  the  evening,  at 
the  gate  of  the  Almshouse,  which  was  deaf,  dumb, 
and  lame.  It  was  sewed  up  in  a  blanket ;  and  since 
no  one  acknowledged  it,  the  Institution  humanely 
received  it.  It  is  one  of  the  effects  of  Christianity, 
that  such  Asylums  are  provided  by  the  community. 
The  child  appears  to  be  about  twelve  years  of  age. 
But  who  were  the  parents  ?  Had  they  been  so  poor 
as  to  be  unable  to  support  the  child,  they  would  have 
brought  him  openly,  and  claimed  support.  If  they 
were  able  to  protect  the  child,  and  yet  deserted  it, 
they  have  souls,  which  "  were  made  of  sterner  stuff." 
There  was  a  similar  case  of  desertion  some  years 
ago,  of  a  poor  idiot,  who  was  found  in  the  yard  of  the 
Hospital.  Whence  he  came,  no  one  knew  ;  but,  since 
he  was  found  on  Friday  morning,  like  Robinson  Cru- 
soe's man,  he  has  been  called  by  that  name.  From 
his  appearance,  he  must  be  thirty  years  of  age. 
Where  he  was  born,  where  he  has  lived,  and  who  were 
his  parents,  he  knows  no  more  than  the  oyster  which 


77 

adheres  to  a  rock.  He  has  no  more  reason  than  the 
sensitive  plant,  and  though  he  has  all  the  organs  of 
speech,  yet  he  never  attempts  to  use  them.  Like 
Balaam's  ass,  he  has  uttered  a  few  articulate  sounds, 
from  compulsion,  without  understanding  their  mean- 
ing. In  every  respect,  Friday,  erect  like  a  man,  is 
inferior  to  most  animals.  Would  any  of  our  race 
bave  exhibited  such  a  spectacle,  had  not  sin,  defor- 
mity, imbecility,  mental  disorder,  and  idiotism,  enter- 
ed the  world  by  the  first  transgression  ? 

March  13th. 

"  Should  the  world  frown,  and  ail  its  pleasures  fir, 

"  Should  every  earthly  comfort  disappear, 

"  And  all  the  charms  of  nature  sink  in  darkness, 

<;  If  thou  art  with  me,  if  thou  art  my  God, 

"  Am  I  not  happy  ?  Can  I  wish  for  more  ? 

"  Thy  gracious  presence  well  supplies  the  loss 

"  Of  earthly  bliss,  and  yields  superior  joy 

**  To  all  that  universal  nature  bcasts.', 

Mas.  Steele. 
THOSE  sick  and  dying  persons,  who  belong  to 
no  clergyman's  cure,  and  have  regularly  attended  no 
place  of  worship,  seem  to  be  providentially  allotted 
to  me.  Many,  who  are  ashamed  to  send  for  those 
ministers,  whom  they  might  have  hearu  habitually, 
have  sent  me  a  request  to  come  and  pray  with  them, 
-and  seem  to  think  that  I  am  exclusively  their  proper- 
ty, because  they  are  poor,  or  because  they  have  been 
so  wicked  as  formerly  to  slight  all  religious  ordi- 
nances. 

This  morning  I  have  visited  three  sick  families. 
In  the  first,  I  found  a  widow  with  two  small  children, 
and  a  young  man  on  the  bed  of  death,  who  appeared 
7  * 


78 

to  be  about  twenty-three  years  of  age.  He  was  So- 
emn,  and  deeply  anxious  about  the  salvation  of  his 
soul.  The  law  had  performed  its  appropriate  work 
of  alarming,  terrifying,  and  convincing  him ;  yea,  of 
killing  every  hope  of  salvation  by  his  personal  obe- 
dience. By  familiar  comparisons,  I  attempted  to  il- 
lustrate the  doctrine  of  a  sinner's  justification,  on  ac- 
count of  that  work  which  was  performed,  without 
man's  pro-concert,  or  co-operation,  when  the  Son  of 
the  Blessed  offered  up  himself  a  sacrifice  for  sin. 

In  this  doctrine  there  is  life,  and  a  gleam  of  hope 
appeared  to  dawn  on  the  visage  of  death.  The  young 
man  was  much  affected ;  desired  prayers ;  and  ear- 
nestly entreated  me  to  call  again. 

From  this  place  I  went  to  the  abode  of  those  maid- 
en females,  who  befriended  the  sick  soldier.  I  rais- 
ed the  outer  cellar  door,  and  knocked  upon  the  inner? 
which  opened  into  their  abode.  A  feeble,  hollow 
voice  said,  "  come  in."  I  descended,  but  on  enter- 
ing saw  no  person.  Something  like  a  coverlet,  (the 
lining  and  stuffing  of  which  was  gone  with  use,  so 
that  nothing  remained  but  the  patch-work  cali- 
co, and  that  defective  here  and  there,  where  one 
piece  was  taken,  thirty  years  ago,  from  a  gown  older 
than  that  which  furnished  the  fellow-squares,)  was 
suspended,  like  a  curtain,  to  divide  the  cellar  into  a 
kitchen  and  bed-room.  The  sick  woman  drew  this 
curtain  to  behold  her  visitor. 

"  What!  are  you  here  alone?" 

"  Yes,  alone ;  but  not  alone  neither."  She  stretch- 
ed forth  her  hand,  and  after  a  few  convulsive  strug- 
gles with  the  enemy  at  her  vitals,  said,  "  I  am  glad 


79 

to  see  you :  I  rejoice  to  see  any  Christian  being/' 
Her  sister  was  gone  out  to  work,  for  the  day,  but 
being  near,  ran  in  frequently  to  assist  her  patient.  I 
expressed  my  surprise,  that  when  she  was  so  dan- 
gerously sick,  she  should  be  deserted ;  but  she  re- 
plied, that  it  was  necessary  for  their  subsistence,  and 
she  was  as  willing  to  die  with  God  alone,  as  with  any 
other  company.  After  I  had  prayed  with  her,  she 
said,  "  What  a  mercy  it  is  to  me,  that  God  has  af- 
flicted me !  that  he  did  not  cut  me  down,  and  sweep 
me  away  in  a  moment !  that  he  has  not  punished  me 
as  I  have  deserved !  He  has  visited  me  with  linger- 
ing sickness,  that  I  might  know  him,  and  love  him 
better."  Such  is  the  humility,  gratitude,  and  faith 
of  this  woman,  that  in  prayer  I  had  little  else  to  do, 
than  to  thank  God  for  giving  such  rich  consolations 
of  grace  as  she  experienced,  to  miserable  sinners. 
Until  she  was  providentially  found  by  the  compas- 
sionate, she  suffered  fr©m  the  want  of  many  of  the 
necessaries  of  life ;  but  now  "  she  is  quite  comfort- 
able." 

Lastly,  I  visited  the  widow  and  the  fatherless,  to 
learn  their  present  situation.  A  few  days  ago  I  w* 
at  the  abode  of  the  same  woman,  and  her  little  son 
was  dangerously  sick.  She  watched  with  him  in- 
cessantly, which  made  me  apprehensive  that  I  should 
fbd  her  ill ;  and  I  was  not  disappointed.  The  little 
boy  saw  me  coming,  and  welcomed  me  with  a  smile; 
but  the  mother  was  almost  insensible ;  was  confined 
to  the  bed ;  had  se?:t  for  no  physician ;  ai.d  had  no 
other  nurse  than  her  half-recovered  child.  This  wo- 
man,  I  positively  know,  has  been  industrious,  and  po- 


80 

verty  in  her  case  is  not  her  fault ;  unless  it  is  a  crime 
to  find  needles  and  silk,  to  close  and  bind  Morocco 
ghoes  at  the  rate  of  four  shillings  for  twelve  pair, 
when  every  cord  of  wood  costs  her  more  money  than 
she  can  accumulate  in  a  month. 

For  her  relief,  I  had  only  to  state  her  case  to  Mrs. 
B —  and  Mrs.  P — ,  daughters  of  faithful  Sarah,  who 
have  often  relieved  her,  'and  will  continue  to  do  it, 
with  truly  tender  beneficence.  She  will  not  want ; 
for  these  friends  of  Jesus  will  visit  her  in  person ; 
and  while  they  raise  the  drooping  head,  will  pour  in- 
to the  lacerated  heart  the  balm  of  Gospel  peace. 
There  are  many  such  pious  women  in  this  city,  and 
God  reward  them  a  thousand  fold. 


March  Uth. 

THIS  evening  was  devoted  to  public  worship, 
private  conversation,  and  the  hearing  of  hymns  re- 
peated, in  the  Almshouse.  The  usual  solemnity  pre- 
vailed, and  many  were  affected  at  the  inquiry,  "  will 
ye  also  go  away  V9  After  the  discourse,  some  of  the 
blind  stood  around  me  to  be  instructed,  and  express- 
ed so  much  gratitude,  that  I  really  felt  ashamed  that 
any  worm  should  be  thought  a  guide,  comforter,  and 
almost  a  saviour.  Let  it  not  be  thought,  however, 
that  half,  or  even  a  fourth  part  of  the  thousand  peo- 
ple in  this  Institution,  are  disposed  to  pay  constant 
attention  to  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel.  Some 
miserable,  polluted  beings  never  show  themselves  in 
our  assemblies ;  some  are  like  the  half-day  hearers  of 
a  more  polite  audience,  and  some  never  wish  te  see  a 


81 

minister,  until  they  think  death  ready  to  plunge  them 
into  hell. 

March  \Wu 

MOST  of  my  hearers,  this  morning,  were  aged 
women,  who  are  foreigners ;  and  almost  every  other 
person  was  upon  crutches.  I  never  saw,  at  any  one 
time,  so  many  wooden  limbs  as  were  now  presented. 

The  good  matron,  from  Berwick  upon  Tweed, 
was  seated  with  her  cane  hi  her  hand,  and  clad  with 
a  blue  cloak,  which  has  become  almost  white  with 
age  and  use.  It  is  a  cloak  by  day,  and  a  covering 
by  night.  From  its  texture,  I  am  led  to  suppose, 
that  it  must  have  seen  better  days,  when  its  owner 
had  not  outlived  all  her  friends.  Happy  is  that  per- 
son, who  being  free  from  debt,  and  at  peace  with 
mankind,  can  wrap  himself  in  his  mantle,  saying,  "  I 
have  hope  in  Christ;  I  brought  nothing  into  the 
world ;  I  can  carry  nothing  away ;  let  this  garment 
be  my  winding  sheet ;  I  am  ready  to  depart ;  come, 
Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly^."  There  was  no  object 
in  the  room,  which  did  not  excite  compassion,  ex- 
cept a  little  bird,  which  sung  occasionally  a  soft  song 
to  a  poor  invalid,  its  mistress.  She  listened  to  me, 
to-day,  and  after  service  besought  me  with  tears, 
that  I  would  not  let  it  be  "  so  long"  before  I  came 
again.     Alas !  I  pitied  her.     Her  limbs  are  drawn 

*  Tins  aged  woman,  in  the  spring  of  1812,  became  quite  in- 
firm. Her  cheerfulness  seemed  to  be  supplanted  by  an  earnest 
desire  to  depart  and  be  with  Jesus.  She  was  more  childish  than 
when  the  above  was  written  ;  and  in  June,  fell  asleep  ;  but  her 
piety  was  apparent  under  all  vircumstaneea. 


tsa 

into  knots  by  the  rheumatism,  and  she  cannot  leave 
her  bed;  but  other  persons  under  similar  confine- 
ment earnestly  contend  for  their  turns,  and  I  must 
preach  in  eight  or  ten  wards  before  she  can  be  grati- 
fied. 

The  Hospital,  with  the  approach  of  warmer  wea- 
ther, begins  to  part  with  some  of  the  patients,  who 
could  not  endure  the  frosts  of  winter.  Still  there 
was  a  full  room,  this  afternoon ;  and  more  hearers 
than  I  could  have  addressed  in  a  week,  had  I  gone 
on  several  missions,  to  the  dispersed  inhabitants  of 
the  wilderness.  Why  is  not  one  soul  as  valuable  in 
this  city,  as  one  soul  in  India  ?  The  Gospel  should 
be  preached  to  every  creature ;  but  the  messenger 
should  begin  at  Jerusalem,  and  make  a  regular  pro- 
gression to  "  all  the  region  round  about"  her. 

So  long  as  sin  reigns,  and  this  city  exists  a  com- 
mercial mart,  the  two  Institutions  in  which  I  labour, 
will  abound  with  miserable  offenders,  who  must  pe- 
rish, if  the  bread  of  salvation  be  denied  them.  Here 
sinners  meet,  not  only  from  every  State  in  the  Union, 
but  from  almost  every  kingdom  of  Europe. 

March  20th. 

Miss  L*#*#  is  numbered  with  the  dead.  She 
was  restored  to  reason,  and  continued  sane  for  a  few 
days ;  but,  from  delicacy  of  constitution,  could  not 
sustain  the  shock.  She  was  so  extremely  weak  and 
low,  that  few  were  permitted  to  visit  the  unfortunate 
victim  of  tragical  farce,  before  she  resigned  her  life 
into  the  hands  of  God. 

Of  all  the  disorders,  to  which  humanity  is  subject, 


83 

that  of  insanity  is  the  most  dreadful ;  because,  in 
almost  every  instance,  it  puts  the  patient  beyond  the 
reach  of  the  Gospel.  In  two  hundred  cases,  I  have 
known  only  two  persons  who  were  benefited  by  reli- 
gious instruction.  In  one  of  these,  a  young  man, 
who  was  on  the  recovery,  but  deeply  concerned  for 
the  salvation  of  his  soul,  apparently  derived  consola- 
tion from  repeated  instructions.  It  was  hope  in  the 
mercy  of  God,  which  finally  established  his  soul  in 
peace  ;  and  without  this  he  would  probably  have 
made  a  second,  and  fatally  successful  attempt  upon 
his  life.  The  word  of  God,  when  it  was  personally 
applied,  he  found  to  be  a  far  better  remedy  for  men- 
ial anguish,  than  the  razor,  which  had  stained  his 
hand  with  his  own  blood. 

March  21  st 
HAD  an  enemy  seen  me  to-night,  he  could  not 
have  wished  me  a  more  unpleasant  situation  than  I 
had :  or  a  friend  to  Jesus,  he  could  not  have  desired 
a  better  employment  than  I  found  in  the  Almshouse. 
The  ward  of  blind  people  was  crowded,  and  many, 
who  sought  to  enter,  were  unable.  The  room  was 
warm,  and  the  atmosphere  odious;  but  since  our 
Master  stooped  to  the  meanest  condition ;  yea,  en- 
dured the  hardest  fare,  how  could  ministers  retreat, 
until  they  had  delivered  their  message  ?  The  singing 
was  animated,  and  the  attention  of  the  hearers  com- 
pensated for  the  want  of  wholesome  air*  When  the 
weather  is  warm,  it  is  impossible  to  be  comfortable, 
where  are  twenty  beds,  and  more  than  one  hundred 
people,  respiring  the  atmosphere  of  a  single  room, 


84 

again  and  again.  After  the  sermon,  I  was  sufficient- 
ly fatigued  to  have  left  the  place.  At  this  moment, 
a  little  boy,  with  a  pair  of  bright  eyes,  wanted  to 
repeat  a  hymn ;  and  two  sick  persons  sent  a  request 
that  I  would  pay  them  a  visit.  In  going  to  them,  I 
passed  through  several  rooms,  in  one  of  which  blind 
Sofa,  an  old  German  woman,  hearing  my  voice, 
stretched  forth  her  hand  to  detain  me.  She  has 
been  one  of  my  constant  auditors,  and  sings  broken 
English  with  George  very  devoutly.  Her  natural 
eyes  see  not ;  but  her  mind  discerns  glorious  things 
out  of  the  Gospel,  which  her  heart  loves.  It  was  a 
grief  to  this  poor  saint,  that  she  could  not  attend 
public  worship  this  evening.  She  was  too  unwell  to 
leave  her  room,  "  but  you  must  tell  me,"  she  cried, 
"  what  your  text  was." 

I  replied,  "  She  hath  done  what  she  could,"  and 
began  to  tell  her  what  use  I  made  of  these  words. 
"  Oh!  I  remember,"  she  said,  "  the  passage  of 
Scripture ;"  and  convinced  me  that  she  was  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  context ;  which  one  of  her  com- 
panions promised  immediately  to  read  for  her ;  and 
I  departed  to  the  bed  of  an  aiieu  man,  a  soldier  in 
the  revolution,  who  is  grievously  afflicted  with  an  in- 
flammation of  the  head.  He  has  served  as  a  gover- 
nor of  the  boys,  and  has  assisted  in  keeping  the  flock 
of  children  still,  who  surround  the  door  of  the  ward 
in  which  I  preach.  For  many  reasons  I  was  sorry  to 
find  him  sick.  What  I  should  do  without  him,  for  a 
constable  or  tithing  man  among  the  noisy  little  ones, 
I  do  not  know.  Alas  I  almost  every  old  soldier,  when 
the  toils  of  war  are  over,  will  drink  too  freely.     It  is 


85 

the  case  with  this*  man.  At  the  Fear  of  death  he 
trembles,  but  says,  that  if  he  was  certain  of  pardon 
and  freedom  from  sin,  he  should  be  glad  to  die. 
While  I  conversed  and  prayed  with  him,  many  of 
his  room-mates,  aged,  infirm,  deformed,  and  misera- 
ble in  appearance,  listened  to  my  speech,  and  on  my 
departure,  offered  me  their  hands  with  many  bless- 
ings. 

Lastly,  I  visited  a  sick  woman.  "  Do  you  know 
that  you  are  a  sinner  ?"  "  Oh !  I  am  one  of  the 
very  worst !"  This  commenced  a  dialogue,  which 
was  concluded  witn  prayer.  Her  anxiety  of  mind 
is  great,  and  her  sickness  dangerous.  Such  instruc- 
tion as  seemed  most  suitable,  was  freely  given.  Glad, 
indeed,  and  yet  sorry  was  I,  to  leave  her ;  for  a  fever 
made  her  very  offensive,  while  her  mind  was  prepar- 
ed to  receive  the  Gospel.  The  room  was  full  of  old 
and  young,  sick  and  well,  good  and  bad. 

On  the  generol  management  of  the  A!:nshouse,  I 
feel  constrained  to  make  a  few  remarks.  I  do  not 
censure  the  corporation  of  the  city,  or  the  present 
superintendent,  for  he  cannot  be  every  where,  to 
manage  every  thing ;  and  he  certainly  attends  to  his 
dnty  with  fidelity.  The  plan  of  the  house  is  radi- 
cally wrong.  AH  the  apartments  are  large,  and  have 
connexion  with  each  other.  There  is  no  public  hall 
in  which  all  the  paupers  could  eat  at  once  ;  but  dif- 
ferent messes,  at  different  times,  are  dispersed 
through  the  house.  Although  seventy  or  eighty 
children  are  lodged  in  one  room,  in  which  all  the 
beds  touch)  yei  many  are  allowed  to  ramble  thron  h 
alt  the  apartments^  and  many  live  entirely  y>  ith  old 
I 


8G 

people.  In  some  rooms,  husbands  and  wives,  with 
children,  and  even  unmarried  persons  sleep  together. 
Marriage  is  permitted  in  the  Institution,  because  it 
cannot  be  prevented,  under  existing  circumstances, 
to  procreate  a  future  race  of  paupers.  These  things 
should  not  be.  The  present  establishment,  in  the 
heart  of  the  city,  should  be  sold ;  a  spacious  situa- 
tion should  be  occupied,  at  some  distance  from  the 
present ;  and  instead  of  one  immense  pile  of  build- 
ings, there  should  be  at  least  four,  in  as  many  sepa- 
rate enclosures.  One  should  be  allotted  to  males, 
another  to  females,  a  third  to  children,  and  the  fourth, 
containing  a  convenient  place  for  public  worship,  to 
the  superintendent's  family,  and  the  various  offices 
of  the  Institution.  No  sort  of  connexion  should 
subsist  between  men,  women,  and  children.  This 
would  prevent  the  multiplication  of  many  paupers, 
and  much  expense.  A  minister  of  the  Gospel,  and 
a  teacher  of  children,  no  less  than  a  physician,  should 
be  officers  in  the  establishment,  and  co-operate  In 
the  government,  with  the  superintendent.  The 
rooms  should  be  small ;  and  all  who  are  able,  should 
work.  All  in  tolerable  health,  in  each  department, 
should  take  their  meals  together,  to  prevent  every 
room  from  becoming  a  cook-shop  and  a  bed-chamber. 
Several  of  the  large  rooms  are  now  filled  with  de- 
cent people,  and  when  an  unfortunate  person  can 
obtain  a  birth  in  one  of  them,  he  ought  to  think  it  a 
great  favour;  but  the  greater  part  of  the  wards 
abound  with  the  vile ;  and  here  and  there  a  solitary 
believer  is  vexed  with  the  filthy  conversation  cf  this 
second  Sodom.     Every  good  man  must  pray,  "  Oh 


87 

God !  If  poverty  be  my  lot,  assign  me  not  a  resi- 
dence among  such  transgressors  :  let  me  die  in  some 
solitary  hovel,  where  I  shall  not  hear  thy  name  blas- 
phemed." 

March  22nd. 
THE  young  man  whom  I  visited  on  the  13th  of 
the  present  month,  I  found  to-day  weaker  in  body, 
and  in  nearly  the  same  state  of  mind.  He  requested 
me  to  say  the  same  things  again,  which  I  had  com- 
municated on  a  former  visit ;  for  he  wished  more 
perfectly  to  understand  the  ground  of  justification, 
and  the  way  of  life.  Again  was  proclaimed  the  sin- 
ner's Hope  ;  again  the  glassy  eyes,  almost  closed  in 
death,  shed  the  full  tear  ;  again  we  prayed,  and  again 
he  entreated  me  to  renew  my  visit.  But  death  will 
come  first.  Whether  he  is  to  be  saved  or  lost,  is  be- 
yond human  ken  ;  but  where  the  Gospel  is  heard  with 
attention,  and  apparent  faith  in  it,  we  may  entertain 
the  fond  persuasion,  that  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto 
salvation. 

March  24th. 
WHEN  we  attempt  to  praise  God  in  the  Alms- 
house, the  dialect  of  almost  every  nation  is  heard  ;  for 
the  English,  Scotch,  Irish,  Dutch,  German,  French, 
Spanish,  and  Italian,  as  well  as  American  poor,  have 
met  together.  What  some  of  the  foreigners  want 
in  pronunciation,  they  more  than  make  up  in  their 
musical  notes.  I  have  become,  now,  so  accustomed 
to  this  confusion  of  dialecfs,  that  it  does  not  disturb 
my  devotion.     Nine  persons  are  dangerously  sick  in 


€8 

the  room  where  I  preached  this  morning.  One  Bf 
them  was  well  last  Thursday  evening,  attended  ser- 
vice in  the  blind  ward,  and  urged  me  to  preach  in 
her  room  to-day,  with  which  request  I  complied ; 
and  possibly  she  may  have  heard  her  last  sermon. 
She  is  now  burning  with  a  fever.  She  i3  a  widow  of 
good  report,  of  amiable  countenance,  and  of  exem- 
plary deportment.  She  has  one  little  daughter  of 
about  eight  years  of  age.  The  poor-house  has  be- 
come her  home,  in  consequence  of  a  "  white  swell- 
ing' '  on  one  of  her  limbs,  which  is  incurable,  and 
utterly  prevents  her  from  labour.  Poor  woman ! 
Her  trials  are  great ;  but  they  will  be  sanctified  to 
her  good,  and  the  divine  glory ;  for  she  is  a  child  of 
the  most  High,  a  daughter  of  the  Lord  Almighty. 

My  tithing  man  sent  for  me  to  pray  with  hira 
again.  His  knees  bowed  at  his  bed-side,  while  we 
offered  up  such  petitions  as  were  deemed  most  ap- 
propriate. 

From  him  I  turned  to  a  Scotchman,  in  the  same 
room,  who  on  the  fourth  day  of  this  month  com- 
menced his  eighty-fifth  year.  He  told  me  in  the 
broad  dialect  of  the  land  of  his  nativity,  that  he  was 
"  very  auld,  and  without  feeling  a'most.  I  cannae 
e'en  feel,"  said  he,  laying  his  hand  on  his  vest,  "  to 
button  my  clothes." 

"  You  know  then,"  I  said,  *f  the  force  of  Solo- 
mon's expressions,  concerning i  that  state  in  which 
the  grinders  are  few,  desire  fails;  the  hands,  the 
keepers  of  the  house,  tremble ;  and  the  knees,  the 
strong  men,  bow  themselves.  The  grasshopper, 
every  liUle  trifle,  must  have  become  a  burthen." 


89 

"  Few  and  evil,"  he  replied,  "  have  the  3-ears  of 
my  lite  been."  The  old  man  was  well  acquainted 
with  the  system  of  Christianity;  and,  indeed, 
where  will  you  find  a  native  of  Scotland,  that  U 
destitute  of  doctrinal  knowledge?  "  Could  I  be 
sure,"  he  said,  "  of  an  interest  in  Christ,  I  should 
think  myself  a  happy  man." 

"  From  what  you  have  already  said,  I  should 
think  that  you  had  a  well-grounded  hope  of  your  be- 
ing in  Christ  by  faith  ;  and  I  trust  it  will  be  well 
with  you,  when  this  time-eaten  garment  shall  be  laid 
aside." 

"  My  dear  Sir,  no  man  is  certain  until  the  very 
last,  until  he  is  secure ;  for  wide  is  the  gate,  and 
broad  is  the  way,  which  leadeth  to  death,  while  strait 
is  the  gate,  and  narrow  the  way,  which  leadeth  to 
life.  I  have  hope,  however."  When  I  left  him,  he 
thanked  me  for  a  little  attention  to  "  an  auld  mo:i." 
While  I  was  coming  out,  two  other  persons  of  seven- 
ty years  arose  to  pay  their  respects  to  me.  One 
was  a  taD,  pale,  hoary-headed  man ;  and  the  other 
was  blind.  Wrhen  I  exhorted  them  to  pray,  the 
tears  of  the  former  fell  upon  his  frosted  beard.  They 
said,  that  in  such  a  noisy  place,  they  found  it  diffi- 
cult to  pour  out  their  hearts  to  God  in  any  corner, 
but  in  the  night,  when  most  around  them  were  asleep, 
they  always  attempted  it. 

I  could  easily  believe  their  assertion,  for  on  de- 
scending, and  crossing  the  yard,  I  met  not  less  tha-i 
one  hundred  little  children,  without  any  one  to  re- 
strain them,  playing  all  manner  of  gambols,  aikl 
roaring  like  the  young  bears  of  the  wilderness. 
8  * 


90 

Some  of  the  older  ones  are  catechized  on  the  sab- 
bath, by  pious  individuals,  and  the  members  of  the 
"  Friendly  Union  Society,"  but  these  were  under 
five  years  of  age ;  and  have  become  expert  in  mis- 
chief. They  should  have  a  governess  as  well  as  a 
nurse ;  and  under  the  general  superintendent,  there 
should  be  at  least  a  lieutenant  over  children.  Who 
will  not  be  astonished,  when  I  state,  that  some  afflu- 
ent churches  allow  some  of  their  baptized  children 
to  be  educated  in  such  a  school  of  immorality  as 
this?  The  words  of  Crabbe  are  so  appropriate, 
\hat  I  beg  the  reader  to  peruse  them. 

"  At  last,  with  all  their  words  and  work  content, 

"  Back  to  their  homes  the  prudent  Vestry  went, 

"  And  Richard  Monday  to  the  woi'k-house  sent. 

•'  There  was  he  pinch'd  and  pitied,  thurap'd  and  fed, 

"  And  duly  took  his  beatings  and  his  bread  ; 

'*  Patient  in  all  control,  in  all  abuse, 

"  He  found  contempt  and  kicking  have  their  use  ' 

"  Sad,  silent,  supple  ;  bending  to  the  blow^ 

*'  A  slave  of  slaves,  the  lowest  of  the  low  ; 

"  His  patient  soul  gave  way  to  all  things  base, 

"  He  knew  no  shame,  he  dreaded  no  disgrace  ; 

"  It  seems  so  well  his  passions  he  supprest, 

11  No  feeling  stirr'd  his  ever  torpid  breast ; 

M  Him  might  the  meanest  pauper  bruise  and  cheat ; 

*'  He  was  a  footstool  for  the  beggar's  feet ; 

"  His  were  the  legs  that  run  at  all  commands, 

u  They  us'd,  on  all  occasions,  Richard's  hands." 

In  the  afternoon,  1  had  the  pleasure  of  a  clean 
room  in  the  Hospital,  and  attentive  hearers.  Many 
of  them  are  dying  men,  and  under  such  circumstan- 
ces, who  would  not  be  attentive  ?  It  is  a  subject  of 
no  small  gratitude  with  me,  that  this  Institution  is 
well  managed ;  that  the  superintendent,  under  the 


91 


honourable  governors,  keeps  his  numerous  family 
in  subjection  ;  and,  so  far  a*j  he  is  able,  promotes  the 
spiritual,  as  well  as  temporal  welfare  of  the  patients. 
In  the  Hospital,  we  are  most  deficient  in  that  im- 
portant part  of  worship,  the  singing  of  psalms  and 
hymns.  I  want  such  a  clerk  here  as  I  have  in  the 
Almshouse ;  but  since  there  is  no  such  patient  a3 
George,  I  am  happy  to  express  my  gratitude  to  Mr. 
Henrf  Crocker,  for  repeatedly  leading  in  our 
sacred  songs.  He  has  kindly  volunteered  his  ser- 
vices in  many  instances,  and  I  trust  the  Lord  will  re- 
ward him  for  his  exertions  to  help  the  devotion  of 
the  poor. 

April  5th,  1812. 

SINCE  my  last  date,  I  have  performed  my  usual 
services  to  the  poor,  and  wish  it  to.be  understood, 
that  I  shall  regularly  preach  in  the  Almshouse  twice, 
and  in  the  Hospital  once,  weekly,  when  I  do  not  give 
the  reader  notice  of  my  absence. 

This  morning  the  superintendent  of  the  Hospital 
called,  with  a  request  that  I  would  visit  one  of  the 
patients.  I  went  to  the  bed-side  of  the  unfortunate 
female;  found  her  in  tears,  and  left  her  in  tears. 
And  would  to  God,  that  my  fellow-citizens,  who  cer- 
tainly are  not  devoid  of  commiseration,  might  turn 
their  attention  to  a  Magdalen  Asylum,  when  I 
assure  them  that  the  tale  I  relate,  is  no  less  true  than 
affecting. 

Four  years  ago,  a  certain  dame,  of  this  city,  whose 
name  might  be  given,  would  it  answer  any  valuable 
purpose,  visited  the  town  cf  E n,  in  the  state  of 


92 

New- York,  in  the  character,  and  as  the  vulgar  would 
think,  in  the  attire  of  a  fashionable  lady.  By  ap- 
pearances and  professions,  she  imposed  on  the  sim- 
ple. She  found  a  poor,  ignorant  widow,  who  had 
many  children,  whom  it  was  difficult  for  her  to  sup- 
port ;  and  among  them  a  daughter  of  twelve  years, 
who  was,  in  the  estimation  of  a  harridan,  adapted  to 
procure  the  spending-money  of  the  licentious  in  the 
middle  grade  of  sensualists.  The  girl  was  mascu- 
line, and  ignorant.  The  mother  gave  credit  to  the 
speeches  of  zjine  lady  ;  and  consented  to  part  with 
her  child,  that  the  deceiver  might  make  her  a  city 
chambermaid  of  distinction.  The  daughter  was  pro- 
mised high  wages,  kind  treatment,  and  easy  service. 
The  mother  was  deluded  ;  the  deceiver  triumphed ; 
the  child  was  ruined.  The  female  monster  brought 
her  prey  to  this  city,  and  before  she  was  thirteen 
years  of  age,  prostituted  her  to  the  vilest  purposes. 
In  this  deplorable  situation  she  has  been  almost  four 
years.  In  the  lapse  of  this  time,  her  mother  has 
twice  been  to  this  city  in  search  for  her  child,  but 
could  not  find  her.  Once  A —  W —  knew  that  her 
parent  was  in  pursuit  of  her,  and  would  have  gone, 
with  all  her  growing  consciousness  of  guilt,  to  meet 
one,  who  could  have  pardoned,  while  she  reproved  ; 
but  the  monster  who  had  decoyed  her  from  her  mo- 
ther, absolutely  locked  her  into  her  chamber,  and  by 
force  made  her  drunk  with  cordials. 

Now  the  poor,  miserable,  seduced  beh?g,  is  Iti  the 
Hospital,  and  apparently  nigh  to  the  grave.  No  mo- 
ther is  near  to  comfort  her.  She  cannot  read  ihe 
Bible.     She  has,  however,  and  I  bless  God  for  ihe 


S3 

circumstance,  the  pious  Instructions,  attentions,  and 
prayers  of  the  present  matron,  who  seeks  to  imitate 
her  Master,  by  doing  good  to  the  most  profligate. 

The  child  knew  that  she  was  a  sinner,  and  has 
been  for  some  days  deeply  afflicted  in  spirit,  as  well 
as  in  body.  Such  copious  weeping  I  never  saw  be- 
fore, in  any  single  instance.  I  doubt  whether  Mary, 
who  washed  the  feet  of  Jesus,  shed  more  tears  in  the 
same  time.  But  floods  of  tears  cannot  wash  away 
the  guilt  and  pollution  of  one  sin.  The  blood  of 
Christ,  the  precious  blood  of  the  atonement,  cleanses 
believers  from  all  sin. 

The  hope  which  may  be  rationally  entertained  of 
the  salvation  of  this  person,  is  certainly  more  animat- 
ing than  that  which  can  be  cherished  concerning 
thousands,  who  dwell  at  ease,  and  hundreds  who, 
not  knowing  the  power  of  God,  think  it  can  be  of 
no  service  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  such  wretches  as 
inhabit  charitable  Institutions.  Let  those,  who  are 
ignorant  of  the  efficacy  of  the  living  word  and  blood 
of  Christ,  and  who  nevertheless  deem,  themselves 
Christians,  know  assuredly,  that  there  is  mere  reason 
to  expect  the  salvation  of  a  Mary  Magdalen*,  than  of 
their  souls. 

In  another  corner  of  the  same  ward,  lay  a  mother 
of  harlots,  whose  face  scarcely  resembles  any  thing 

*  Common  use  has  rendered  this  name  descriptive  of  a  de- 
graded female  ;  hut  the  Scriptures  present  no  evidence  that  Mary 
Magdalen  was  a  woman  of  the  city.  The  sinner  of  whom  we 
read  in  Luke  vii.  37,  is  not  called  Mary  ;  but  it  was  Mary,  the 
sister  of  Lazarus,  who  in  the  house  of  another  Simon,  the  leper, 
anointed  the  he2d  of  Jesus. 


94 

human.  Lazarus,  who  probably  knew  nothing  of  the 
modern  demand  for  mercury,  and  the  sores  it  pro- 
duces, was  not  more  afflicted  than  this  woman.  For 
years  past  she  has  made  merchandize  of  many,  many 
female  boarders,  but  seeing  the  grief  of  A —  W — , 
and  being  affected  at  the  situation  of  the  country  girl, 
she  said  to  me,  "  I  am  drawing  near  to  the  eternal 
world ;  but  although  I  have  encouraged  many  to  con- 
tinue in  sin,  yet  I  thank  God  that  I  never  stole  away 
and  ruined  such  an  innocent  child  as  that.  That's 
all  my  consolation !"  Miserable  consolation,  indeed  ! 
But  in  this  manner,  the  vilest  of  dying  sinners  seek 
consolation,  by  comparing  themselves  with  some  of 
their  companions,  whom  they  deem  more  obnoxious 
to  divine  justice  than  themselves.  The  Pharisee 
was  not  singular  in  the  expression  of  his  heart,  "  God, 
I  thank  thee  that  I  am  not  as  other  men." 

April  6th. 
A —  W —  continues  in  the  same  state  of  body 
and  mind.  She  was  convulsed  with  emotion  ;  wept 
while  I  prayed  for  her;  thanked  me  for  my  atten- 
tion ;  and  seemed  to  think  herself  too  vile  to  excite 
even  a  fellow-sinner's  commiseration. 

April  llh. 
HOW  it  might  have  affected  others  I  know  not, 
but  to  me  it  was  an  interesting  sight  to  see  a  tall  re- 
spectable female  of  about  fifty-five  years  brought  in- 
to our  assembly  in  the  Almshouse,  by  a  compassion- 
ate man,  ihat  she  might  hear  the  word  of  God.  The 
pbeuniatism  has  prevented  the  use  of  her  limbs ;  so 


9j 

that  she  can  neither  stand  nor  walk ;  but  she  could 
sit  and  listen  to  the  doctrine  which  she  loves.  After 
sermon,  the  same  man  took  her  in  his  arms  to  her 
own  ward*. 

April  21s/. 
THE  most  pitiable  object,  whom  I  have  seen  of 
late,  is  an  Irish  woman,  who  is  dangerously  sick  of  a 
fever  in  the  Almshouse.  She  was  a  good  mother, 
and  wife,  before  her  husband  deserted  her ;  and  she 
is  a  good  mother  still.  From  every  one,  who  has 
known  her,  I  learn  a  favourable  account  of  her  mo- 
ral conduct.  To-day  she  would  have  melted  any 
heart.  Four  little  children  surrounded  her  bed,  who 
were  all  of  them  like  herself,  and  all  so  much  like 
one  another,  that  nothing  but  stature  seemed  to  dis- 
tinguish one  from  the  other.     All  of  them  were  cry- 

*  Tliis  man  had  been  visited  with  the  palsy,  but  was  now  in  the 
possession  of  his  usual  strength.  After  the  above  date  he  fre- 
quently performed  the  same  service  for  the  same  pious  woman. 
Sometime  in  the  winter  of  1812  he  was  taken  sick,  with  a  second 
attack  of  his  disorder.  I  visited  him  ;  found  him  much  agitated 
in  soul,  and  anxious  to  know  what  he  should  do  to  be  saved.  His 
sins  were  his  tormentors.  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  sinners,  was  of- 
fered to  his  acceptance,  and  after  prayer  1  left  liim  weeping.  A 
few  days  after,  he  requested  to  see  me,  when  I  had  been  preach- 
ing and  praying  with  other  sick  persons.  Such  was  my  fatigue, 
and  indisposition  of  body  that  I  excused  myself  for  that  time  ;  but 
the  next  morning  I  found  that  he  died,  while  expressing  a  wish 
that  I  were  present  to  pray  for  him.  This  is  the  only  instance  in 
which  I  have  excused  myself  from  any  unpleasant  duty  of  this 
kind  ;  and,  although  I  cannot  severely  censure  myself,  because  I 
was  really  sick,  yet  I  think  it  will  be  the  last.  If  I  can  stand  and 
speak.  I  am  resolved  to  pray  with  dying  sinners,  who  request  me 
to  be  their  leader  iu  devotion. 


9& 

ing  for  their  poor  mother.  The  whole  family  lately 
came  from  Ireland,  but  the  husband  has  left  her  with 
her  babes  to  languish,  and  perhaps  to  die,  without  a 
friend.  Alas !  that  drunkenness  should,  in  this  coun- 
try, transform  a  generous  and  wildly  enthusiastic  son 
of  Erin  into  something  worse  than  a  brute !  In  Hi- 
bernia,  it  is  probable  that  this  same  fellow  would  have 
divided,  his  last  potatoe  with  his  superannuated 
grandmother ;  or  would  have  shed  his  blood  in  de- 
fence of  his  wife  and  children ;  but  here,  where  ar- 
dent spirits  are  sold  for  six  shillings  by  the  gallon, 
wife,  children,  relatives,  and  friends,  may  all  go  to 
the  Almshouse,  or  even  to  "  potter's  field,"  for  a  glass 
of  grog*. 


April  25th. 
AGAIN  I  have  seen,  beside  many  other  sick  pef* 
Sons,  the  deserted  Irish  woman.  She  was  found  with 
three  children  in  one  bed,  in  a  room  where  were  ma- 
ny widows,  or  deserted  females,  in  the  same  predica- 
ment. Two  were  laid  at  the  foot  of  the  bed ;  one 
was  at  her  side  ;  and  the  youngest  was  in  the  arms 
of  a  friend  in  adversity*  If  the  children  are  pre- 
served from  the  putrid  fever,  it  will  astonish  me. 
For  them  she  wept,  and  prayed  to  live>  while  seve- 
ral of  her  acquaintance  sobbed  in  unison.  If  any 
situation  can  be  imagined)  which  requires  much 
grace  to  enable  one  to  resign  life  without  a  murmur, 

*  It  is  said  thai  a  newly  naturalized  cii.izent  to  induce  some  of 
Lis  countrymen  to  immigrate  to  this  country,  wrote  to  his  fri<  udg 
"  that  in  America  &  0U&  might  get  drunk  twice  for  sixpence  !'* 
This  is  too  true ! 


91 

it  is  that  of  a  deserted  wife,  who  has  little  babes 
gauging  about  her  parched  lips  and  panting  bosom. 
What  will  become  of  them,  in  this  busy  world,  where 
thousands  might  say  in  truth,  "  I  looked  oi;  my  right 
hand,  and  beheld,  but  there  was  no  man  that  would 
know  me :  refuge  failed  me  ;  no  man  cared  for  my 
soul  ?"  Psalm  cxlii.  4. 

May  16th. 
SINCE  the  last  introduction  of  the  name  of  W— 
R — 9  the  blind  boy,  he  has  repeated,  weekly,  a 
hymn ;  and  this  evening  more  little  children  propos- 
ed to  follow  his  example  than  the  writer  could  pa- 
tiently hear.  They  had  the  promise  of  being  at- 
tended to  at  our  next  meeting,  and  were  promised  a 

little  book ;  for  the  Rev.  Mr.  (now  Dr.)  P 1,  had 

presented  a  bundle  of  tracts,  with  Owen  on  the 
130th  Psalm,  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor.  This  re- 
verend gentleman  I  have  never  seen,  but  his  books 
shall  be  loaned  to  those,  who  think  every  religious 
book  a  treasure ;  and  in  heaven  some  one  may  bless 
him  for  publishing  and  distributing,  gratuitous  y  and 
otherwise,  a  cheap  edition  of  a  book,  which  clearly 
illustrates  the  doctrine  of  pardon. 

May  19th. 

"  Thus  must  foul  earth  be  purified  by  fire  ! 

11   Her  guilty  hosts  in  burning  seas  expire  ! 

"  Thus  must  her  dust,  which  drank  her  Maker*s  blood ; 

"  Be  wash'd  away  beneath  a  flaming  flood." 

B.  Francis. 

WHO  can  behold  a  city  in  flames,  and  not  think 
of  that  day  in  which  the  earth  shall  burn  like  an 
9 


98 

oven  ;  in  which  all  things  in  it  shall  be  consumed  1 
T\  bile  on  my  way  to  the  Almshouse,  on  the  morning 
of  this^holy  day,  the  cry  of  fire  resounded  from  a 
thousand  tongues.  The  wind  was  unusually  bois- 
terous for  a  clear  day,  and  the  buildings  in  the  vici- 
nity of  the  fire  were  of  wood.  In  a  few  moments, 
many  houses  were  enveloped  in  the  general  conflagra- 
tion, and  before  one  o'clock,  more  than  one  hundred 
tenements  were  reduced  to  ashes.  Most  of  these 
were  inhabited  by  two  or  three  poor  families.  The 
whole  scene  was  dreadful.  Mothers  were  running  in 
every  direction  in  pursuit  of  their  lost  children,  and 
husbands,  in  consternation,  were  seeking  for  their 
wives.  Many  of  the  public  buildings  took  fire,  and 
for  some  time  half  of  the  city  seemed  to  wait  a  fiery 
doom.  In  the  midst  of  this  distress,  I  entered  the 
Almshouse.     In  the  blind  ward,  one  of  my  pious 

hearers,  blind  P ,  was  in  a  fit,  and  her  room-mates 

were  crying  aloud  for  her,  and  for  themselves.  They 
knew  that  the  fire  was  near,  and  thought  that  no  one 
would  take  the  trouble  to  lead  them  out,  even  should 
the  house  over  their  heads  be  in  flames.  To  be 
blind,  and  to  be  near  the  raging  element,  must  be 
alarming  indeed !  Oh !  that  they  would  consider  this, 
who  are  blind,  while  they  stand  on  the  brink  of  hell ! 
At  the  sound  of  my  voice  in  the  room,  many  ex- 
claimed, "  our  friend  has  come,"  who  felt  for  me,  and 
hung  around  the  skirts  of  my  garment,  praying  that 
I  would  lead  them  out,  until  I  repeatedly  assured 
them  that  they  were  in  no  immediate  danger.  Din 
ring  the  violence  of  the  conflagration,  I  visited  seve- 
ral wards,  and  attempted  to  make  use  of  the  scene- 


99 

by  reminding  the  paupers,  of  that  day  in  which  the 
heavens  being  rolled  together  as  a  scroll  shall  pass 
away,  and  the  material  universe  shall  melt  with  fer- 
vent heat.  Before  twelve  o'clock  they  were  suffi- 
ciently composed  to  attend  to  a  discourse,  in  which 
they  were  taught  to  seek  the  best  things,  even  du- 
rable riches  and  righteousness. 

Ten  persons  were  confined  to  their  beds  in  the 
room  in  the  Hospital  which  was  this  afternoon  visit- 
ed by  the  word  of  the  Lord ;  and  one  of  them,  who 
seemed  unusually  tender  upon  religious  subjects,  told 
rac  In  ^nnvprsation,  that  many  had  been  the  troubles 
of  his  life,  "  but  they  are  not  worthy  to  be  named  . 
for  Pve  deserved  them  all,  and  I  think  that  they  have 
been  for  my  good."  He  was  born  in  England,  bred 
a  brewer,  and  for  some  time  past,  had  been  a  jour- 
neyman at  his  trade  in  this  city.  On  the  first  of  May, 
a  time  when  half  of  the  poor  remove  from  one  shed 
to  another,  he  was  left  houseless  for  the  night.  The 
room  which  he  had  occupied,  had  been  let  to  an., 
other,  who  could  pay  a  higher  rent.  He  could  not, 
on  that  day,  procure  another  tenement ;  and  the  new 
occupant,  according  to  the  custom  of  this  good  city, 
cast  the  furniture  of  T —  T —  into  the  street.  To 
preserve  his  goods  during  the  night,  the  brewer  seat- 
ed himself  on  a  stoop  beside  them.  When  all  was 
silence  but  the  hourly  rap  of  the  watchmen  on  the 
pavement,  he  fell  asleep.  A  young  rogue  passed  that 
way,  and  undertook  to  search  the  sleeper's  pockets, 
in  which  he  found  some  money ;  but  could  not  make 
good  his  retreat,  without  arousing  his  plundered 
neighbour.     The  brewer  gave  him  chase,  and  follow- 


100 

ed  him  into  a  cellar.  This  is  the  last  that  he  re- 
members of  the  events  of  the  night,  but  in  the  morn- 
ing he  was  found  alone,  with  a  bruised  head  and  a 
broken  leg.  «  It  is  all  well,  however,"  said  he, 
concluding  his  tale  with  a  sigh,  "for  the  suffer- 
ings of  the  present  state  are  not  worthy  to  be  com- 
pared with  the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed  in  us." 

On  the  latter  part  of  the  last  week,  the  writer  had 
the  pleasure  of  finding  two  poor  women  in  the  sub- 
urbs, who  are  now  rejoicing  in  the  "  just  God  and 
Saviour,"  but  who  had  never  listened  to  the  glad 
sound  of  the  Gospel,  before  they  heard  one  of  kU 
discourses  in  a  school  room.  At  that  time  he  preach- 
ed under  the  patronage  of  the  "  Friendly  Union  So- 
ciety," and  these  females  turned  in,  as  they  informed 
him,  from  idle  curiosity ;  but  by  the  good  will  of 
God,  their  attention  was  arrested.     It  was  the  first 
discourse,  which  they  had  heard  for  many  months. 
They  were  not  in  the  habit  of  attending  public  wor-*& 
ship  in  any  place  ;  but  have  since  given  abundant  tI 
evidence,  that  they  love  all  the  ordinances  of  Christ's V 
kingdom. 

At  the  solicitation  of  these  children  in  the  faith,  ac- 
companied by  the  request  of  several  poor  families,  he 
sought  on  Friday  last  some  convenient  place  to  open  a 
weekly  lecture.  Having  fixed  his  eye  upon  a  school 
house  which  he  deemed  suitable  to  his  purpose,  he 
drew  near  to  it,  and  half  consented  to  retire,  from 
the  reflection,  that  he  could  not  afford  to  hire  it. 
The  lecture  was  to  be  free,  for  the  poor;  and  since 
contributions  were  not  to  be  taken  up,  who  will  fur- 
nish lights,  and  prepare  for  our  reception  ?  He  had 


101 

cpened  the  gate  before  he  had  answered  this  ques- 
tion, and  would  have  drawn  back  to  make  some  pre- 
vious arrangement,  had  not  the  master  presented 
himself,  like  one  who  should  say,  "  pray,  Sir, 
what  is  your  business  ?"  To  save  him  the  trouble 
of  asking  such  a  question,  the  writer  told  him  what 
was  wanted.  "  I  presume,"  said  the  master,  "  that 
you  are  of  the  Episcopal  church."  "  No,  Sir ;  but 
I  wish  grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  to  all  of  every  deno- 
mination, who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  He 
asked  the  question,  it  afterwards  appeared,  because 
he  and  the  owner  of  the  property  were  of  the  num- 
ber of  those  lately  proscribed  beings,  praying  Church- 
men. He  gave  encouragement,  and  directed  the 
preacher  to  the  owner,  a  pleasant,  pious  man,  who 
made  the  poor  welcome  to  the  use  of  the  room,  and 
said  his  son  should  be  sexton,  if  the  applicant  would 
find  candles. 

On  his  way  to  this  room,  this  evening,  he  passed 
along  the  still  smoking  ruins.  A  little  beyond  them, 
he  overtook  a  woman  of  colour,  who  appeared  to  have 
been  brought  from  Guinea,  about  eighty  years  ago. 
Under  one  arm  she  carried  five  large  brands,  which 
had  been  quenched  by  the  engines ;  and  under  the 
other,  a  quarto  Bible,  which  had  lost  one  of  its  co- 
vers, and  which,  like  herself,  appeared  much  the 
worse,  and  in  other  respects,  much  the  better,  for 
wear. 

"  Poor  woman,"  said  he,  "  have  you  been  burned 
out  too?" 

"  Yes,  massa,  butblesset  be  God,  I'm  alive," 
9   * 


102 

"  You  are  very  old  to  be  turned  out  of  house  and 
home." 

"  I  well  stricken  in  years,  but  God  does  it ;  and 
in  dis  world,  'tis  one's  turn  to-day,  and  anudder's  to- 
morrow." 

"  Have  you  saved  nothing  but  your  Bible  ?" 

"  Noting  but  one  trunk  o'  things :  but  dis  blesset 
book  is  wort  more  as  all  de  rest.  It  make  me  feel 
better  as  all  de  rest.  So  long  as  I  keep  dis,  I  con- 
tent." 

With  all  the  animation  of  Uncle  Toby,  when  he 
said  of  the  sick  soldier,  "  he  sha'n't  die ;"  but  with- 
out his  oath,  which  made  the  accusing  spirit  blush  as 
he  gave  it  in,  and  shed  a  tear  "  to  blot  it  out  for 
ever,"  the  stranger  said,  putting  his  hand  into  the 
pocket,  "  you  sha'n't  be  houseless."  She  replied, 
«<  O  a  sister  in  the  church  has  promised  to  take  me 
in."  Some  good  thing  can  come  out  of  the  noisy 
Methodist  church  of  coloured  people.  The  old  saint 
was  carrying  her  sticks  to  her  sister's  house,  to  cook 
necessary  food,  and  her  Bible  to  comfort  her  heart. 
She  received  a  pittance ;  and  in  return,  gave  the 
stranger,  of  such  things  as  she  had,  a  blessing  in  the 
name  of  God.  It  was  of  more  value,  than  the  praises 
of  many  mighty.  Perhaps  it  rested  on  him ;  for 
when  he  arrived  at  the  place  of  worship,  God  gave 
him  affections  flowing  like  grateful  streams.  His 
own  heart  was  refreshed.  The  room  was  crowded ; 
and  many  who  would,  were  unable  to  enteA 

*  I  have  since  had  the  pleasure  to  learn,  that  the  discourse  which 
was  then  delivered,  was  not  without  fruit  in  the  hearts  of  others, 


103 


May  24th. 

THE  fire  has  greatly  increased  the  population  in 
my  dominions.  This  evening  the  doors  were  open 
into  three  wards  in  the  Almshouse,  so  that  many 
more  than  usual  listened  to  my  discourse.  It  was  a 
solemn  evening  to  many,  and  God  grant  that  the  per- 
sons burned  out  of  home,  may  derive  some  spiritual 
advantage  from  the  affliction. 

May  26th. 

IT  is  not  unusual  in  this  world  for  men  to  get  out 
of  one  unpleasant  situation  into  another.  At  the  in- 
stigation of  several  paupers,  who  could  not  find  seats 
at  our  last  meeting  in  the  Almshouse,  I  consented  to 
preach  this  morning  in  the  school-room  of  the  Insti- 
tution. It  is  situated  in  the  yard ;  and  I  had  enter- 
tained the  hope,  that  I  should  escape  the  loathsome 
effluvia  of  old  beds,  cookery,  and  drugs;  but  I 
changed  sides  to  keep  the  pain :  for  the  room  was 
full ;  the  scorching  sun  could  not  be  excluded  from 
the  windows ;  and  all  the  swine  of  the  place,  which 
are  not  few,  surrounded  the  building. 

Blind  George  made  his  appearance  here  in  a  new 
style.  Hitherto  he  has  made  a  doleful  figure  ;  for 
his  long  black  hair  was  tumbled  over  his  sightless 
face,  his  hempen  jacket  and  trowsers  were  covered 
with  grease,  his  hat  was  without  top  and  brim,  and 
his  feet  were  bare.  Designing  that  he  should  assist 
me  at  the  Hospital,  I  had  thought  it  necessary  to 
beg  him  a  hat,  from  a  young  man,  a  blue  broadcloth 


104 

coat,  of  middle  age,  from  W —  S — ,  and  to  furnish 
him  with  pantaloons,  a  vest,  and  shirts.  His  appear- 
ance now  corresponds  very  well  with  the  profession  of 
clerk  to  the  stated  preacher  to  the  poor.  He  sung 
more  cheerfully  than  ever.  The  Irish  woman,  whose 
case  I  stated  on  the  fi  1st  of  April,  was  present,  with 
her  babe  in  her  arms,  to  dve  thanks  for  her  recove- 
ry, and  beg  a  catechism,  that  she  might  instruct  her 
children.  She  manifests  great  humility,  and  deeply 
mourns  for  her  misguided  husband. 

In  the  afternoon,  I  led  my  clerk  to  the  Hospital. 
He  was  a  great  acquisition  in  our  social  praise ;  and 
gave  the  patients  great  satisfaction.  After  public 
worship  was  over,  many  surrounded  him,  and  he 
sung  solemn  songs  for  the  space  of  an  hour.  The 
stolen  country  girl,  A.  W.  attended  my  discourse 
with  many  tears.  She  lives,  beyond  the^  expecta- 
tion of  all  who  know  her  case.  One  of  her  com- 
panions, P ,  who  is  now  recovering  the  second 

time,  has  for  months  regarded  religious  instructions 
with  a  lively  interest ;  and  seemed  to  be  quite  de- 
lighted when  George  sung  for  her  Newton's  "  Good 
Physician,"  and  "  the  sinner's  Friend." 

In  consequence  of  the  throng  about  the  door  of 
the  school-room  in  the  suburbs  on  the  1 9th  inst.  ap- 
plication was  made  for  the  use  of  the  Irish  Church 
on  sabbath  evenings,  and,  thanks  to  the  liberality  of 
the  pastor  and  his  people,  the  privilege  sought  was 
readily  granted.  To  this  place  I  led  my  clerk  this 
evening,  where  he  performed  his  part,  to  the  satis- 
faction of  a  yery  attentive  audience. 


105 


May  30th. 

ON  returning  from  the  Churchman's  lecture 
worn  this  evening,  a  very  judicious  woman  informed 
the  writer,  that  one  of  her  acquaintance  turned  in  to 
hear  his  discourse  in  the  Irish  church,  who  had  ne- 
ver entered  a  church  before  but  three  times  in  her 
life.  This  person  was  a  married  woman,  who  has 
two  children;  but,  great  as  her  past  negligence  has 
been,  there  is  now  some  hope,  for  she  declares  that 

olio      -rf»ll      Lv»., 1 0    —.fj      n^    vuiiuutroo  w     mcatfl 

within  her  reach."  If  one  such  heedless  sinner  is 
allured  to  Christ,  he  will  be  amply  compensated  for 
preaching  regularly  five  times  in  each  week ;  which 
he  has  now  engaged  to  do,  so  long  as  his  health  and 
ether  imperious  circumstances  will  permit.  May 
God  speed  his  own  word. 

May  31st 
Again  I  have  proclaimed  salvation  to  the  poor  in 
the  Almshouse,  and  conversed  again  with  a  pious 
woman,  who  has  been  confined  to  her  bed  twelve 
months  with  the  rheumatism.  To  her,  I  trust  my 
services  in  the  glorious  gospel  of  Christ  have  been 
sanctified.  She  has  long  been  one  of  the  most 
emaciated  persons  I  have  ever  seen,  and  I  was  not 
surprised  to  hear  her  say,  "  for  sometime  the  world 
has  been  nothing  in  my  estimation:  Christ  is  all. 
Might  God  be  pleased  to  pardon  my  sins,  and  take 
me  away,  I  should  be  thankful,  but  I  have  no  reason 
to  complain.     He  has  afflicted  me  for  good."     She 


106 


is  destitute  of  near  relates.     Her  only  child,  a 

dutiful  sou,  the  last  of  her  kindred,  died  suddenly 

in  a  fit,  not  long  before  she  entered  the  Almshouse, 

and  with  him  fell  every  earthly  confidence.     God 

has  been  her  support ;   Christ   her  refuge.     That 

the  prosperous  should  desire  life  is  natural ;  and  that 

one,  who  is  friendless,  houseless,  pennyless,  weak, 

and  full  of  pain,  without  hope  of  better  temporal 

circumstances,   but   who   has   good   hope    through 

grace,    should   desire   heaven,    is    equally   natural. 

Grace  becomes  so  much  a  part  of  the  renewed  man, 
thai  irom  a  new  nature,  ne  veij  uauu-*uiy  aesires  iu 

depart,  and  be  present  with  Jesus,  while  that  which  is 
born  of  the  flesh  shudders  at  the  thought  of  the 
coffin,  the  worm,  the  putrefaction  of  the  grave. 
Many,  who  cannot  delight  in  death,  desire  what  is 
beyond  it,  and,  from  enrapturing  prospects  of  Ca- 
naan, launch  into  the  dusky  Jordan, 

Jane  2nd. 
Instead  of  delivering  a  regular  discourse  in  the 
Hospital  to-day,  I  visited  eight  wards,  gave  a  short 
exhortation  in  each,  and  prayed  with  the  patients. 
Miserable  and  sinful  as  most  of  these  beings  are, 
they  are  not  the  most  insensible  of  the  human  fami- 
ly. Hundreds  appear  every  Sabbath  on  the  public 
walks,  who  read  the  bible  less,  think  less,  and  pray 
less,  than  the  poor  in  my  diocese.  When  I  enter- 
ed the  ward  of forlorn hope,  and  no  male 

hearers  were  present  to  stimulate  them  to  impu- 
dence, by  way  of  defence  against  their  own  sensa- 
tion of  shame,  they  were  as  attentive  as  any  audi- 


107 

ence  in  the  city,  and  some  could  not  restrain  their 
tears,  while  others  covered  their  faces,  like  persons 
who  blush  to  look  up  to  heaven. 

June  4th. 
Some  youno,  emales  have  frequented  my  lectures 
in  the  Almshouse,  who  belong  to  the  city.  Who 
they  are  I  know  not ;  but  I  have  observed  for  some 
months  past,  that  the  same  faces  are  present. 
There  is  reason  to  believe,  that  they  are  ashamed 
to  appear  in  any  other  congregation  than  that  of  the 
poor.  O!  that  all  the  deluded,  in  some  place  or 
other,  might  listen  to  the  doctrines  of  life.  Some 
few  poor  women,  of  good  character,  who  live  without 
the  walls  of  the  Institution,  from  want  of  a  more 
convenient  place  of  public  worship,  or  because  they 
are  too  poor  to  purchase  pews,  have  been  permitted 
to  hold  a  place  with  us  on  the  sabbath. 

June  8th. 
A  short  narration  of  my  future  visits  may  give  a 
specimen  of  my  past  conduct,  for  I  thi:k,  in  defi- 
ance of  censure,  to  pursue  the  even  tenor  of  my 
way.  Three  patients  I  have  particularly  visited 
and  prayed  with  to-day.  One  was  too  full  of  pain 
to  make  much  reply  to  my  inquiries;  the  second 
said,  what  he  did  on  the  last  sabbath,  that  he  desir- 
ed nothing  so  much  as  this  life ;  and  the  third,  a  ve- 
ry intelligent  man,  thought  his  case  hopeless.  Once 
he  thought  he  knew  the  Lord,  but  now  he  appre- 
hends that  there  remaineth  no  more  sacrifice  for  his 
sins,  because  he  has  trodden  under  foot  the  blood  of 
the  Son  of  God. 


108 

Four  wards  in  the  Almshouse  have  also  been 
visited  with  instruction  and  prayer.  Particularly  I 
sought  some,  who  had  been  sent  from  the  Hospital, 
irod  r  the  dreadful  sentence  of  "  incurable  cases." 
I  found  two.  One,  M — B — ,  so  soon  as  she  saw 
me,  caKed  me  by  name,  and  put  forth  her  withered 
hand,  which  one,  who  remembered  that  Christ 
washed  the  feet  of  his  disciples,  would  not  refuse. 
We  held  a  long  conversation  in  presence  of  twenty, 
who  are  incurable  from  the  same  cause.  M —  B — , 
was  born  in  England,  is  about  thirty  years  of  age, 
and  ha3  lived  twelve  years  in  notorious  licentious- 
ness. Very  few  of  this  class  of  people  have  so 
long  a  course  of  iniquity ;  for  I  should  think  that 
not  one  of  a  hundred  of  them  survives  her  twenty 
fifth  year.  This  woman  confesses  that  she  has 
been  well  instructed,  was  of  a  good  family,  has  re- 
sisted great  light,  and  abused  all  divine  mercies. 
For  three  months  past,  she  thinks  that  the  eyes  of 
her  mind  have  been  open  to  behold  the  light  of 
truth.  Prayer  is  her  delight.  ,Her  greatest  pre- 
sent trouble,  not  excepting  absolute  confinement  t© 
her  bed,  arises  from  her  belief  that  she  does  not 
feel  so  deeply  her  own  vileness  as  she  ought.  She 
has  no  expectation  of  recovery;  and  she  wishes 
that  God  may  never  permit  her  to  arise  again,  un- 
less it  is  to  depart  from  iniquity.  "  Let  me  die," 
she  says,  "  unless  I  should  be  kept  from  sin,  and 
glorify  God  by  my  future  life."  Many  similar 
things  she  said  with  great  humility ;  and  if  she  is  a 
deceiver,  she  is  an  adept  indeed.  The  other  per- 
son, whom  I  found,  was  A—  W — ,  in  an  adjoining 


109 

room.  She  lay  in  the  middle  of  it,  surrounded  by 
about  thirty  as  miserable  as  herself.  She  was  glad 
to  sf  e  me,  and  desired  prayer.  If  any  one  cannot 
pray,  it  is  a  proverbial  saying,  "  send  him  to  sea :" 
but  if  any  minister  cannot  occasionally  preach  with- 
out reading  his  manuscript,  "  send  him  to  the  Alms- 
house." The  sin  and  misery  of  this  place  are  in- 
describable. 

June  9th, 

My  brethren,  who  have  polite  congregations,  find 
no  difficulty  in  gaining  assistance  from  transient 
ministers;  and  to-day  I  have  succeeded  for  the 
fourth  time  in  obtaining  "  a  labour  of  love."  Of 
course  I  had  to  preach  only  twice  on  the  present 
sabbath.  The  man  whose  chief  desire  was  to  live, 
retains  his  rational  faculties  at  intervals  only.  He 
desired  me  to  pray  for  him,  and  particularly  that  he 
might  live,  while  he  was  sensible  of  the  approach  of 
death.  Our  reluctance  to  meet  the  king  of  terrors 
cannot  retard  his  advancing  steps.  This  man  must 
die,  and  to-morrow  will  present  him  before  the  tri- 
bunal of  God. 

J B ,  the  person  who  yesterday  thought 

his  case  hopeless,  does  not  doubt  the  truth  of  di\;ne 
promises,  but  their  application  to  his  case.  This  is 
a  common  temptation  in  the  Christian  family. 
When  I  asked  him  what  be  would  pray  for,  might 
he  offer  two  petitions  with  the  assurance  of  being 
heard,  he  said,  "  I  would  first  pray  to  be  received 
into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  then,  to  be  restor- 
ed to  health." 

10 


110 


June  10th. 

Early  this  morning,  he  who  clung  to  life  was 
compelled  to  relinquish  his  hold.  Even  so  expires 
a  drowning  man,  while  holding  fast  a  straw.  Who 
can  render  permanent  a  vapour,  whose  nature  it  is 
to  appear  for  a  little  time,  and  then  vanish  ?  Who 
can  protract  what  God  has  denominated  "  a  mo- 
ment ?"     Our  days  are  as  "  nothing"  before  him. 

To  a  multitude  of  these  beings,  who,  like  myself, 
are  flitting  to  the  tomb,  I  have  this  evening  pro- 
claimed Jesus  Christ,  the  Savionr.  In  my  presence 
were  three  persons,  whom  I  have  known  to  be  bed- 
rid ever  since  I  first  visited  the  Almshouse.  Two 
pious  women  were  brought  in  the  arms  of  some  com- 
passionate men.  A  fine  little  boy  repeated  a  hymn, 
and  having  received  a  cent,  thought  it  ample  com- 
pensation for  his  trouble.  Much  good  may  be  done 
at  a  small  expense  ;  for  I  have  procured  many  pious 
songs  to  be  committed  to  memory,  at  the  same  rate, 
which  may  prove  restraints  in  youth,  and  consolation 
in  old  age. 

In  one  part  of  the  room  in  which  I  preached,  lay 
Mrs.  M — ,  a  German  woman  of  seventy-eight  years. 
Often  have  I  conversed  with  her  to  my  own  edifica- 
tion. She  is  lingering  on  the  verge  of  time,  is  full 
of  humble  confidence  in  Christ,  and  by  faith  looks 
steadfastly  into  the  eternal  world. 

After  public  worship  was  concluded,  I  visited 
twelve  persons,  who  are  old  and  full  of  pains.  One 
was  an  Irishman,  of  excellent  understanding,  who 


Ill 

is  well  acquainted  with  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel, 
and  apparently  with  Jesus  crucified ;  but  the  most 

affecting  object  was  one  W 1,  of  fifty  years  of 

age,  who  is  reduced  to  the  borders  of  the  grave  by 
intemperance  in  the  use  of  ardent  spirits.  The 
following  dialogue  ensued. 

"  Have  you  formerly  thought  that  you  was  a 
miserable  sinner?" 

"  Yes :  but  now  I  know  that  I  am  vile.  I  have 
ruined  myself.  I  have  been,  besides  committing 
other  sins,  a  drunken  carman  for  nineteen  years." 

"  Do  you  know  how  you  can  be  saved  ?" 

"  If  I  should  live,  I  hope  God  will  enable  me  io 
reform,  and  lead  a  better  life." 

"  But  should  you  die  to-night,  what  would  be- 
come of  your  soul  ?  Do  you  know  of  any  way  in 
which  a  rebel  man  can  be  justified,  and  saved  from 
hell?" 

"  No;  I  should  have  no  hope;  but  upon  my 
word  and  honour  I  ivant  to  pray  God  to  be  merciful 
to  me  a  sinner." 

"  No  better  prayer  can  be  offered  by  any  sinner, 
and  while  you  live,  I  hope  you  will  continue  to 
pray." 

"  I  do  keep  praying,  but  Pm  a  poor  sinner,  and 
make  a  miserable  hand  of  it.     Do  pray  for  me." 

I  commenced  praying,  according  to  his  request, 
and  very  unexpectedly  to  me,  he  repeated  my 
words  in  an  audible  voice.  Perceiving  his  intention, 
I  uttered  short  sentences  and  made  a  pause  after 
each  of  them.  He  followed  me  with  great  exer- 
tion   and  emotion.      Sometimes  he  faltered,  then 


112 

was  silent,  while  a  few  petitions  were  offered,  and 
again  repeated  my  words,  until  his  tongue  would 
serve  him  no  longer.  The  scene  was  awfully  so- 
lemn, not  only  to  me,  but  to  a  crowd  of  paupers, 
who  nearly  filled  the  room.  Inexpressibly  horrible 
is  the  death  of  a  drunkard .' 

Descending  from  this  room  into  the  cellar,  I  found 

Mr.  B e,  of  sixty -two  years,  whose  companion, 

the  wife  of  his  youth,  died  about  a  week  since. 
From  that  hour  he  has  rapidly  declined.  The  vine, 
which  had  long  shaded  the  old  oak,  was  torn  away, 
and  the  scorching  sun  has  withered  its  branches. 
The  mouldering  trunk  will  fall  soon. 

The  man  could  not  speak  to  me,  but  signified  by 
expressive  gesticulation  that  he  desired  prayers. 
Once  or  twice  he  attempted  to  repeat  the  words  of 
my  address,  but  I  could  only  distinguish,  in  a  whis- 
per, a  part  of  the  publican's  petition,  which  almost 
every  dying  sinner,  who  feels  his  guilt  at  all,  finds 
appropriate  to  his  condition. 

From  him  I  turned  to  a  woman,  who  has  been 
three  months  in  the  same  helpless  situation.  She 
informed  me  that  she  read  her  prayers  every  day, 
and  should  it  please  God  to  take  her  out  of  the 
world,  she  should  be  very  thankful  for  his  kindness. 

It  is  not  a  pious  feeling  in  myself,  I  must  ac- 
knowledge, which  makes  me  shrink  back  from  disa- 
greeable duties,  and  desire,  in  a  moment  of  gloom, 
to  depart  from  a  world  in  which  I  have  found  abun- 
dant sin,  disappointment,  and  misery ;  but  whether 
this  poor  woman's  resignation  is  of  the  right  kind  or 
not,  I  will  not  pretend  to  determine. 


113 


June  11th. 

Today,  W — t  and  B — e,  have  appeared  before 
God. 

This  afternoon  I  have  visited  two  wards  of  the 
Hospital,  in  which  I  gave  a  general  exhortation  to 
all  present,  besides  particularly  conversing  with 
three  patients. 

J B will  not  be  comforted.     He  has 

been  in  the  habit  of  reposing  confidence  in  his  past 
experience  of  the  love  of  God,  wrought  within  him, 
and  cannot  be  convinced  that  it  is  safe  to  trust  him- 
self anew  to  Christ  for  pardon  and  salvation. 
Those  who  have  not  received  lucid  instructions 
upon  the  doctrise  of  justification,  who  have  not 
been  taught  a  thousand  times,  that  the  sole  ground 
of  their  salvation  is  without  them,  are  liable  to  per- 
petual disquiet.  Their  feelings  change  ;  they  hope 
for  salvation,  because  of  pious  feelings ;  and  why 
should  not  their  hope  of  heaven  fluctuate  in  the 
twinkling  of  an  eye  ? 

This  unhappy  man  has  been  ignorantly  attempt- 
ing to  make  his  imperfect  personal  righteousness  an- 
swer that  purpose  for  which  the  righteousness  of 
Christ  alone  is  sufficient.  No  sinner  ever  ought  to 
perform  a  commanded  duty,  or  desire  the  lively  ex- 
ercise of  any  Christian  grace,  with  the  expectation 
or  design  of  securing  heaven,  even  in  part,  by  his 
obedience.  He  must  be  pious  from  some  other  mo 
tive,  or  he  will  dishonour  the  mediatorial  work  of 
Jesus  Christ, 

10  # 


114 

J B continues  to  spit  blood,  and  must 

soon  die.  He  knows  it  too,  and  discovered  that  so- 
licitude which  becomes  a  dying  man.  I  repeated 
to  him  Newton's  fable  of  "  the  spider  and  the  toad," 
to  convince  him  in  a  familiar  way,  that  the  sinner 
must  continue  to  apply  to  Christ  for  pardon  and  con- 
solation, with  that  repentance  which  is  unto  life,  but 
when  I  came  to  that  part  which  speaks  of  the  re- 
moval of  the  healing  plant,  and  the  death  of  the 
toad,  from  the  sting  of  the  spider,  he  exclaimed, 
"  and  that  will  be  my  case  !"  It  was  in  vain  I  told 
him, 

■'  'Tis  here  the  happy  difference  lies, 

"  My  Saviour  reigns  above  the  skies, 

"  Yet  to  my  soul  is  always  near, 

"  For  he  is  God  and  every  where. 

vt  His  blood  a  sovereign  balm  is  found 

•*  For  every  grief  and  every  wound  ; 

i(  And  sooner  all  the  hills  shall  flee 

**  And  hide  themselves  beneath  the  sea  ; 

'•   Or  ocean,  starting  from  its  bed, 

"  Rush  o'er  the  cloud-top  mountain's  head  ; 

"  The  sun,  exhausted  of  its  light, 

*f  Become  the  source  of  endless  nisrht ; 

f*  And  ruin  spread  from  pole  to  pole, 

M  Than  Jesus  fail  the  tempted  soul.'' 

One  man,  C —  O — ,  with  whom  I  have  several 
times  conversed,  is  a  native  of  Connecticut.  Until 
to-day,  he  has  been  attentive  to  what  I  said,  but 
quite  reserved.  This  afternoon,  he  introduced  a 
Ions;  dialogue,  by  saying,  "  that  men  could  not  have 
religion  by  merely  saying,  God  be  merciful  to  me,  a 
sinner." 

«  True,"  I  replied,  «  for  even  a  parrot  may  be 


113 

taught  to  repeat  those  words  ;  but  no  man  ever  pray- 
ed for  mercy,  from  faith  in  the  Saviour  of  sinners, 
who  was  finally  lost.  It  is  one  thing  to  use  the  form 
of  prayer,  and  quite  another  thing  to  pray." 

"  But  the  thing  is,"  he  rejoined,  "  to  know  that 
we  really  have  that  faith,  and  are  not  deceived." 
The  question  was  proposed,  "  do  you  doubt  of  the 
truth  of  the  Bible  ?" 

He  assured  me  that  he  did  not ;  but  thought  it 
very  difficult  for  any  one  to  know  that  he  possessed 
true  religion.  He  was  "  brought  up"  in  the  fami- 
ly of  the  late  Rev.  Mr.  Little,  of  his  native  place, 
"  to  a  religious  life,"  and  thought,  until  lately,  that 
he  had  "  a  good  deal  of  religion ;"  but  now  he  doubt- 
ed whether  he  hrd  ever  possessed  any.  Thirteen 
years  ago  he  came  to  this  city  to  live,  and  for  the 
last  four  years  had  been  with  three  of  his  children, 
who  are  settled  in  the  southern  part  of  our  country. 
In  all  the  places  where  he  sojourned  south  of  Pitts- 
burgh, and  particularly  in  New-Orleans,  he  could  find 
very  little  religion.  On  the  sabbath,  the  people 
would  race  horses  and  gamble.  Most  of  the  people 
whom  he  saw  were  Deists  or  Atheists. 

"  Well,  did  it  not  grieve  you  to  be  without  reli- 
gious society,  and  to  see  people  live  so  wickedly  ?" 

It  did,  for  almost  three  years  ;  but,  during  the  last 
year,  he  feared  that  he  had  been  as  bad  as  any  of 
them.  By  degrees  his  faith  was  unhinged,  and  he 
learned  the  wicked  ways  of  the  people  with  whom 
he  lived.  Now  he  desired  truly  to  bewail  his  sins. 
He  found  that  he  must  start  anew,  or  perish ;  for  he 
could  take  no  pleasure  in  any  thing  that  was  past. 


116 

Now  all  his  former  knowledge,  and  experience  of 
vital  piety  afforded  him  no  ground  of  hope. 

"  It  never  should  be  the  ground  of  a  sinner's 
hone.  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  the  only  founda- 
tien  for  Christian  hope. 

"  Too  many  have  supposed,  that  they  should  be 
saved,  because  of  some  good  work  performed  in 
them  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  Sanctification  is  an  evi- 
dence of  such  vital  union,  by  faith,  to  the  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ,  as  ensures  salvation ;  but  it  is  in  no  case 
the  reason  why  we  are  united  to  the  Redeemer,  and 
justified  through  his  blood ;  for  then  it  must  have  in- 
fluence before  its  existence,  and  supplant  the  merito- 
rious services  of  the  Saviour." 

It  was  stated  to  the  sick  man,  that  his  late  defec- 
tion was  calculated  to  make  him  seriously  question 
the  genuineness  of  his  former  faith  ;  for  nothing  but 
habitual  hatred  of  sin,  sorrow  for  it,  and  struggles 
against  it,  can  afford  continued  evidence  of  saving 
faith.  That  belief  of  the  truth,  which  is  not  follow- 
ed by  contrition,  godly  fear,  and  diligence  in  the  per- 
formance of  religious  duties,  is  vain. 

The  stated  preacher  has  invariably  insisted  on  the 
necessity  of  repentance,  as  well  as  faith,  in  all  his  in* 
tercourse  with  the  poor  of  his  charge  ;  for  although 
faith  has  the  precedence  among  the  Christian  graces, 
yet  no  one  of  them  is  ever  found  alone.  That  man, 
who  savingly  believes  the  testimony  of  God,  con- 
cerning sinners  and  the  Saviour,  will  hate  iniquity, 
and  turn  from  it,  while  he  works  not  for  the  purpose 
of  justifying  himself,  "  but  believeth  on  him  that 
justifieth  the  ungodly," 


117 

One  circumstance  appeared  very  favourable. 
When  any  syllable  reminded  him  of  his  religious 
education,  he  appeared  to  be  deeply  affected  ;  and 
when  he  learned  that  I  was  acquainted  with  the  in- 
habitants of  his  native  town,  he  asked  if  several  of 
his  early  acquaintance  had  become  persons  of  reli- 
gious character.  When  he  was  answered  in  the  af- 
firmative, concerning  many  of  them,  it  appeared  to 
afford  him  g;reat  pleasure. 

For  such  a  person  every  believer  would  pray,  "  O 
Lord,  if  he  ever  knew  thee,  return  to  him  in  tender 
mercy :  if  not,  now  give  him  to  know  Jesus,  which 
is  life  eternal ;  and  may  his  future  obedience  evince 
to  himself  and  others  the  sincerity  of  his  faith,  the 
transforming  efficacy  of  the  love  of  Christ. 


June  1 4th. 

THIS  afternoon  I  have  visited  six  wards  of  the 
Hospital.  In  all,  the  patients  were  attentive ;  and 
many  of  them  thanked  me,  not  only  with  words,  but 
tears.  J —  B — ,  the  desponding  man,  is  disposed 
to  pray ;  but  retains  nearly  the  same  dejection  of 
spirits. 

In  one  of  the  wards  of  coloured  people  I  had  a 
long  coversation  with  J —  J — ,  who  is  thirty  years 
of  age,  according  to  the  account  of  his  master ;  but 
his  gray  beard  indicates  him  to  be  at  least  fifty. 

He  thinks  that  he  has  been  much  deceived,  but 
cannot  ascertain  his  years.  He  had  heard  people 
say,  that  all  were  sinners ;  and  he  knew  that  he  had 
done  wrong ;  but  he  did  not  know  of  any  way  in 
which  a  sinner  could  be  saved. 


118 

"  Has  no  one  ever  instructed  you  in  religion?'* 

He  had  heard  people  say  that  men  could  be  sav- 
ed, but  he  could  not  think  how.  This  lead  me  to 
preach  Christ  to  him ;  and  since  he  had  been  a  sai- 
lor, to  explain  familiarly  the  doctrine  of  substitution. 
I  asked  if  he  had  ever  seen  one  man  tied  up  to  the 
shrouds  for  another  ?  "  That  I  have  seen  ;  and  known 
him  flogged  too  !" 

"  Yet  it  was  by  his  own  consent." 

"  O  yes,  or  it  would  have  been  wrong." 

"  But  after  the  substitute  was  chastised,  it  would 
have  been  wrong  to  punish,  with  the  same  stripes, 
the  man  whom  he  represented." 
"£H1  this,  he  said,  that  he  could  understand. 

"  Now  you  must  know,  that  God  sent  his  only 
Son,  by  that  Son's  consent,  to  take  the  sinner's  place, 
and  be  made  a  curse,  bearing  the  chastisement  of 
his  peace ;  so  that  the  sinner  who  believes  in  Christ, 
taking  him  for  his  Saviour,  cannot  be  condemned." 

"  It  stands  to  reason  then"  said  the  black  man, 
"  that  if  believers  sin  ever  so  much,  they  will  not 
be  punished  for  it,  because  Christ  was  punished  in 
their  place" 

"  That  is  true ;  but  do  you  think  that  any  one 
who  trusts  in  Christ  for  salvation  from  sin,  would  con- 
sent to  sin,  because  Jesus  had  suffered  death  for 
him  ?"  He  thought  "  that  would  not  stand  to  rea- 
son." 

Then  I  told  him  the  consequence  of  knowing  the 
way  of  life,  only  to  reject  it. 

He  confessed,  that  he  had  always  been  very  wick- 
ed, and  asserted  that  no  one  had  ever  "  taught  him 


119 

about  religion,"  but  row  he  thought  that  he  should 
"  attend  to  it  with  his  might ;  for  such  a  thing 
ougfU  to  be  stuck  to,  all  one's  life." 

Other  interesting  conversations  I  had,  which  want 
of  time  prevents  me  from  relating.  God  bless  his 
word. 

In  the  evening  I  preached  in  the  Almshouse,  to  a 

crowded  audience,  and  then  visited  a  Mr.  L se, 

aged  seventy-nine  years,  who  for  some  time  has  been 
an  inhabitant  of  this  place,  through  the  imbecility  of 
age.  He  has  been  a  regular  attendant  on  public 
worship,  and  appears  to  have  Scriptural  views.  Soon 
he  will  leave  his  miserable  residence  here  below, 
and  perhaps  exchange  it  for  one  eternal  in  the  hea- 
vens. 

June  16th. 
AFTER  public  worship  in  the  Almshouse,  I  vi« 
sited  four  wards,  gave  an  exhortation  in  each,  and 
prayed  with  the  sick  in  three  of  them.  My  gra- 
cious God,  what  a  scene  of  misery  do  thine  eyee 
behold !  How  great  must  be  the  wickedness  of  a 
fallen  world,  which  the  Heavenly  Father  chas- 
tises with  so  much  wretchedness,  as  even  I  discern  I 

First,  I  went  to  see  old  Mr.  L se,  who  is  yet 

alive,  but  who  will  spend  no  more  sabbaths  on  earth. 
In  the  bed  next  to  him,  directly  before  my  face,  lay 
the  corpse  of  a  younger  man  than  himself,  who  was 
lately  from  Philadelphia,  and  who  yesterday  walked 
out  into  the  city.  It  was  a  solemn  scene.  The  old 
man  could  not  speak ;  but  made  me  understand  that 
he  desired  to  unite  in  prayer.     He  has  ever  been  a 


120 

punctual  attendant  on  the  Dutch  church ;  and  since 
he  has  resided  in  this  place,  has  loved  the  gates  of 
Zion.  Beside  him  stood  an  aged  friend,  looking  up- 
on him  with  great  tenderness,  who  has  long  been  his 
companion  in  poverty,  to  whom  the  dying  man  gave 
his  hand,  and  would  have  said,  "  brother  in  adverj 
sity,  adieu ;"  but  his  tongue  refused  to  move. 

From  this  abode  of  the  living,  the  dying,  and  the 
dead,  I  went  into  the  ward  of  destitute,  sick,  and 
rejected  females.  Here  the  outcasts,  full  of  sores  meet 
together :  and  not  fewer  persons  than  thirty,  I  saw, 
who  are  literally  half  consumed.  I  addressed  the 
stolen  country  girl,  who  bears  the  name  of  A —  W- — . 
Whether  this  is  her  real  name  or  not.  I  cannot  say, 
for  on  her  left  arm  I  saw,  in  India  ink,  the  initials 
J.  f  C.  and  under  them,  the  letters  A.  W.  which 
have  apparently  been  made  since  the  first.  She  told 
me  that  she  could  not  expect  to  recover;  and  in 
God's  name  I  exhorted  her;  but  because  she  is  too 
sad,  or  too  hardened  to  weep,  she  wept  not.  Still  I 
hope  from  her  attention  to  divine  truth,  and  apparent 
gratitude  to  the  messengers  of  pardon,  that  all  her 
convictions  were  not  washed  away  by  her  floods  of 
tears  in  the  Hospital. 

Having  given  a  general  invitation  to  the  Gospel 
feast,  and  offered  prayers  in  this  room,  I  visited 
M—  B— .  She  told  me,  that  she  did  not  fee!  her 
sins  to  be  a  heavy  burden  upon  her,  Weighing  her 
down  into  hell,  as  she  did  a  few  months  ago ;  because 
she  believed  in  Christ,  and  hoped  he  would  pardon 
her;  while  at  the  same  time  she  knew,  that  her 
crimes  were  as  many,  as  odious,  and  as  deserving  of 


121 

damnation,  as  they  formerly  were.  While  I  was 
conversing  with  this  outcast  female,  at  my  back  lay 
a  young  girl,  of  round  features,  of  dark  complexion, 
of  eighteen  years,  who  at  this  early  period  is  brought 
to  the  borders  of  an  untimely  grave.  When  I  ask- 
ed M —  if  I  should  pray  with  them,  this  poor  thing, 
who  had  been  listening,  cried  out  with  great  earnest- 
ness, "Odo!  do,  Sir!"  After  prayer,  I  turned  my 
attention  to  her;  and  her  cheeks  were  of  scarlet; 
her  lips  were  pale ;  she  trembled ;  but  closed  her 
eyes  as  in  the  sleep  of  death,  and  could  not  be  per- 
suaded to  answer  a  word. 

I  went  into  one  of  the  Hospital  rooms,  w here  Mrs. 
B — ,  the  nurse,  is  a  mother  to  the  sick ;  and  where 
I  preached  on  Monday  evening  last.  Here  I  saw 
one,  whom  I  never  expected  to  see  in  this  grand 
charnel-house  of  the  city.  She  was  a  tall,  meagre 
person,  whose  countenance  and  manner  told  me  that 
she  had  seen  better  clays.  So  soon  as  she  perceived 
me,  she  stretched  out  both  hands,  and  called  to  me, 
with  the  overflowing  of  tearful  joy. 

"  How  came  you  here  ?"  was  the  first  question 
which  escaped  from  my  lips.  "  Do  your  friends 
know  that  you  are  in  this  house  ?  Where  is  your 
sister?" 

My  questions  were  soon  answered.  "  My  kind 
Master  has  sent  me  here.  I  did  not  like  to  come  ; 
but  somehow  he  wonderfully  supported  me.  My 
sister  is  still  living  where  yon  saw  her,  and  trying 
io  support  herself" 

"  So  your  sister  stili  lives  in  the  cellar ;  but  do 
U 


122 

those  ladies  who  assisted  you  last  winter  know  where 
you  are  ?" 

They  were  ignorant,  she  said,  of  her  present  si- 
tuation ;  and  they  had  helped  her  so  long,  that  she 
was  willing  they  should  remain  ignorant. 

"  My  blessed  Saviour,"  said  the  weeping  sha- 
dow, whose  consumption  outlives  common  patience, 
"  is  with  me  here ;  and  it  comforted  me  to  think, 
that  I  could  see  you  oftener,  and  hear  you  preach, 
which  I  could  not  do  where  I  lived :  so  that  I  bless 
my  Lord  that  he  spares  me,  that  he  does  not  banish 
me.  O  how  good  is  Jesus  to  poor  sinners !"  My 
heart  was  supported  by  the  manifestation  of  such 
resignation ;  and  I  still  thought  it  true,  that  he  who 
casts  his  bread  upon  the  waters,  shall,  after  many 
■days,  receive  it  again ;  for  this  old  woman,  lingering 
in  the  slow  consumption,  has  probably  been  assisted 
for  as  many  months,  as  she  protected  the  sick  soldier 
weeks.  At  any  rate,  God  gives  her  in  recompense 
the  bread  of  life.  But,  gracious  God,  leave  me  not 
to  the  charity  of  the  world :  or  be  pleased  to  be- 
stow such  grace  as  will  support  me  under  all  circum- 
stances. When  active  usefulness  shall  cease,  and 
when  a  lesson  shall  no  longer  be  taught  by  patience 
in  suffering,  be  pleased  to  take  me  from  time.  O 
take  me  to  thyself! 

Leaving  this  good  woman,  I  addressed  the  old 
German  lady,  beside  whom  I  preached  on  the  10th 
instant.  At  first  she  thought  me  the  attending  phy- 
sician, but  so  soon  as  I  spoke  to  her,  of  Christ,  "  O 
my  dear  friend,"  she  said,  "you  love  Jesus,  and 
you  love  my  soul."     I  perceived  that  she  was  draw- 


123 

ing  near  the  close  of  this  life,  and  expressed  my  per- 
suasion that  she  would  soon  be  gone.  "  O  yes,  Sir, 
I  be  glad,  should  my  blessed  Lord,  come  soon  and 
fetch  me  home :  but  while  I  can,  I  must  eat  and 
drink,  and  not  lay  hands  on  myself.  But  I  hope 
he'll  come  soon,  and  then  I  shall  go  to  my  fathers, 
and  mothers,  and  brothers,  and  sisters.''  The  writer 
asked  if  she  spake  of  her  relatives. 

She  replied, "u  O !  all  of  them  in  heaven  are  my 
friends  and  relatives.  I  should  be  glad  to  be  there ; 
but  I  am  in  the  flesh  still,  and  have  not  put  on  the 
perfect  robe,  pure  and  white.  But  I  shall  wear  it  by 
and  by." 

When  such  a  person  spake,  it  was  meet  that  I 
should  be  silent.  Indeed,  I  listened  with  great  de- 
light. 

It  may  not  be  improper  to  add,  that  a  very  little 
girl  repeated  a  long  hymn,  and  obtained  a  cent, 
which  is  the  established  pecuniary  premium  for  such 
exercises. 

An  old  Scotch  woman  has  repeatedly  amused 
me,  while  she  taught  me  the  important  lesson,  of  do- 
ing much  good  at  a  little  expense.  She  comes  to  the 
Almshouse,  with  a  bundle  of  tracts ;  the  children 
flock  around  her,  and  she  says  to  one,  "  dear  child, 
do  you  want  to  buy  a  book  ?" 

"  I  ha'n't  got  no  money,"  cries  the^boy. 

"  But  would  you  give  me  two  cents  for  this  little 
book,  if  you  had  them  ?" 

"  That  I  would." 

"  Well,  then,  if  you  will  learn  five  questions  and 
answer^  I  will  give  you  one  cent ;  and  when  you 


124 

have  learned  five  more,  I  will  give  you  another  cent ; 
whkb  will  buy  the  book.'* 

The  lad  consents  ;  she  calls  again  to  hear  him  re- 
peat his  lesson ;  and  in  this  manner  she  has  sold  a 
cheap  copy  of  the  catechism  to  very  many  of  the 
poor  children.  This  same  pious  woman  I  have  often 
found  reading  some  religious  book,  to  a  circle 
of  old  women,  who  were  much  gratified  by  her 
enunciation  in  that  broad  dialect,  which  was  na- 
tural to  them,  but  which  I  could  scarcely  understand. 

In  the  afternoon  I  preached  in  the  Hospital,  and 
then  visited  five  wards. 

Poor  J —  B —  died  to-day  in  despair. 

One  man,  who  was  partially  blind,  a  sailor,  follow- 
ed me  from  room  to  room,  until,  in  the  last,  I  turned 
my  attention  particularly  to  him ;  but  even  then  he 
remained  in  solemn  silence. 

In  the  last  ward  which  I  visited,  I  found  one  J— - 
B — ,  aged  fifty-four  years,  who  had  been  attending 
my  lectures,  and  who  appeared  to  be  deeply  impress- 
ed. I  found  him,  as  I  found  many  in  this  well-regu- 
lated Institution,  reading  the  Bible.  After  I  had 
conversed  with  two  or  three  of  his  companions,  and 
was  turning  away,  he  said  to  me,  "  I  believe  what 
you  say  ;  I  feel,  and  have  long  felt,  that  I  am  a  poor 
sinner.  Once  I  called  myself  a  Christian,  but  I  have 
behaved  worse  than  a  Turk." 

"  It  gives  me  pleasure,"  I  said,  "  to  hear  you 
confess  your  sins,  and  I  hope  you  do  it  from  the 
heart.  Are  you  not  ashamed  to  say  before  these 
persons,  who  may  laugh  at  you  for  your  superstition., 
that  you  believe  the  Gospel  ?" 


1'20 

"  No  Sir,  for  whosoever  beUevethon  him  shall  not 
be  ashamed.  If  it  was  not  for  that  I  should  sink 
into  despair,  for  I  have  been  examining,  and  find  I 
have  broken  every  commandment  but  one  ;  for  I  do 
not  think  I  have  committed  murder." 

"  But  have  you  not  been  angry  without  a  cause, 
and  does  not  unreasonable  anger  produce  every  in- 
stance of  murder  which  actually  exists." 

"  /  have  broken  tliat  commandment  in  that  sense, 
but  I  never  really  wished  to  kill  any  man" 

"  Wei!,  do  you  know  how  a  sinner  can  be  sav- 
ed?" He  had  the  Bible  open  at  the  10th  chapter 
of  Romans,  and  said,  "  /  believe  all  this  book  and 
every  word  of  this  chapter  and  particularly  the 
ninth  verse."  He  pointed  me  to  the  place  and  I 
read,  "  if  thou  shalt  confess  with  thy  mouth  the 
Lord  Jesus,  and  shalt  believe  in  thine  heart  that 
God  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead,  thou  shalt  be 
saved."  "  This,  however,"  resumed  he,  "  trou- 
bles me ;  the  scriptures  say  that  faith  without  charity 
is  nothing;  and  I  have  always  been  a  poor  man, 
that  could  not  have  charity."  This  he  really  said 
with  great  grief,  but  when  I  told  him  that  the 
Greek  word  rendered  charity,  really  signifies  love, 
or  a  disposition  to  do  good  as  we  have  opportunity, 
his  difficulty  vanished.  This  fully  convinced  mc 
that  judicious  criticism  is  really  of  great  importance, 
even  for  the  common  hearer.  The  words  of  a  dead 
language,  however,  need  not  be  quoted  to  those  who 
do  not  understand  them. 

J R arose  and  walked  the  room,  saying 

with  great  emotion,  "  O  if  I  could  mourn  for  my 
11  * 


126 

sins  as  I  ought,  and  shed  fountains  of  tears,  it  would 
ease  me;  but  my  heart  is  hard" 

"  If  you  could  weep  as  much  as  you  desire,  it 
would  be  suitable,  but  it  would  be  no  reason  why 
God  should  accept  you." 

"  True  Sir,  I  should  merit  nothing,  if  I  should 
be  in  agony  all  the  rest  of  my  life,  but  I  feel  that  I 
ought  to  mourn." 

In  this  manner  he  mourned  that  he  could  not 
mourn  ;  but,  alas  !  he  has  a  dominant  passion  !  He 
was  warned  of  his  danger,  and  exhorted  to  bring 
forth  such  fruits  as  are  becoming  the  profession  of 
repentance. 

June  ISth. 
THIS  evening  I  preached  in  the  Almshouse, 
heard  two  children  repeat  hymns,  visited  old  Mr. 
L — se,  and  received  from  one  of  the  poor,  helpless 
women,  a  bunch  of  roses,  which  was  all  that  she 
could  give  in  testimony  of  her  gratitude.  To  have 
rejected  it,  would  have  been  unkind  indeed.  Dur- 
ing service,  which  was  in  the  blind  room,  a  blind 
methodist  preacher  offered  one  of  the  prayers. 
His  language  was  proper,  and  I  trust  his  heart  sin- 
cere, but  I  lamented  that  he  was  so  vociferous  as  re- 
ally to  pain  my  auditory  nerves.  Why  cannot 
Ihese  good  people  use  the  natural  language  of  fervour 
and  respect,  without  unnatural  vociferation  ?  Is 
their  God  afar  off?  Or  is  he  deaf?  Or  is  he 
moved  by  such  excessive  noise  as  indicates  almost 
every  thing  but  respect  ? 


127 


June  19th. 

To-day  I  have  visited  seven  wards  in  the  Hospi- 
tal. Some  with  eager  looks  followed  me  from  room 
to  room,  that  they  might  hear  of  Jesus,  crucified  for 
the  sins  of  men. 

C —  O —  says  that  when  he  is  full  of  pain,  he 
desires  to  die  for  two  reasons ;  first,  from  a  desire  to 
be  free  from  pair.,  and  secondly,  from  fear  that  such 
a  poor  sinner  as  he  is,  will  never  be  better  prepared. 

With  J R I  conversed  again.     Taking 

off  his  hat,  and  looking  up  with  the  deepest  rever- 
ence, he  said,  "  I  declare  Sir,  in  the  presence  of 
God,  who  I  think  hears  me,  that  I  think  I  am  the 
vilest  sinner  in  this  Hospital." 

This  R has  been  a  sailor  for  about  forty 

years,  and  says  that  he  never  took  to  reading  the 
Bible  much  until  within  a  few  months.  His  pro- 
gress in  the  knowledge  of  the  scriptures  is  certainly 
wonderful. 

With  one  Wm.  H — on,  who  is  far  £one  in  the 
consumption,  I  have  often  conversed,  and  particularly 
to-day.  His  convictions  appear  to  be  of  the  right 
kind.  He  waits  and  even  hopes  for  death.  When 
about  to  leave  the  place  where  he  lies,  I  observed  a 
young  sailor,  who  was  raising  blood  profusely,  and 
who  was  in  tears.  Before  to-day_I  had  not  addressed 
him  individually,  but  new  I  found  him  anxious  about 
the  salvation  of  his  soul.  He  tells  me  that  his  at- 
tention was  first  excited  the  other  day,  by  my  con- 


128 

versing  and  praying  with  H — on.  Now  the  young 
man  feels  that  he  is  a  sinner,  and  bewails  it  bitterly* 
In  shprt,  I  have  considerable  hope  concerning  five 
or  six,  who  are  now  patients  in  this  place.  But,  alas  ? 
the  greater  part,  will  hear  from  respect  to  me,  who 
care  not  a  rush  for  Christ. 

With  a  Roman  Catholic  patient  I  reasoned.  He 
was  ready  to  confess  his  sins,  he  said ;  and  demand- 
ed of  me,  "what  follows  ?"  "  If  you  truly  and  hum- 
bly  confess  your  sins  to  God,  pardon  follows,  as 
God's  free  gift.11 

"  I  confess  my  sins  to  my  priest"  said  he,  "  and 
when  I  confess  to  him  I  confess  to  God." 

This  is  a  Catholic  of  more  than  ordinary  informa- 
tion ;  but  the  other  day  some  sin  burthened  his 
conscience,  and  he  would  neither  eat,  nor  obey  the 
prescription  of  the  physicians,  until  his  confessor 
'came  to  disburthen  his  guilty  soul. 

The  writer  discoursed  also  with  one  Captain  Jar- 
vis,  who  has  experienced  many  reverses  of  fortune, 
as  the  world  is  pleased  to  say ;  but  who,  two  years 
ago,  after  he  was  seventy  year3  of  age,  was  found 
hy  Jesus  Christ.  He  converses  very  sensibly ;  is 
ready  to  live  or  to  die,  and  manifests  an  unshaken 
confidence  in  the  truth  of  God. 

"  I  know,"  said  he,  "  that  I  am  an  old  sinner ; 
but  God  v/ill  not  lie.  He  says  he  will  pardon  and 
accept  me  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  I  am  sure  he  will, 
because  he  says  so.  The  words  of  God  are  all 
faithful.  O  what  a  mercy  it  is,  that  he  did  not  let 
me  die  before  he  brought  me  to  believe  in  him  ;  and 
while  I  was  in  my  sins," 


129 


June  21st. 


THIS  morning  I  have  visited  four  wards  of  the 
Hospital,  and  could,  had  I  time,  relate  much  inter- 
esting conversation.  Captain  Jarvis  talks,  and  ap- 
pears to  feel,  like  a  saint.  The  Roman  Catholic, 
whom  I  saw  on  Wednesday,  appeared  to  be  pleased 
with  the  information,  that  he  might  confess  his  sins 
to  God,  in  any  place  :  but  in  another  room  I  said  to 
the  dying  K — on,  "  continue  to  confess  your  sins 
to  God,  for  none  can  forgive  sins  but  God  alone ;" 
and  did  not  know  that  a  Catholic  heard  me.  I 
turned  however  to  a  sick  man,  and  asked  how  long 
he  had  been  afflicted.  He  answered,  "  four 
months." 

"  Well,  I  hope  your  sickness  will  be  sanctified  to 
rou." 

"  Sir,"  said  the  sick  man,  roughly,  "  when  I 
want  a  priest  I  will  send  for  one.  We  are  of  differ- 
ent religions. " 

This  is  the  first  open  repulse,  that  I  ever  receiv- 
ed from  any  one  of  the  patients.  I  assured  him, 
that  I  claimed  no  risht  to  teach  him,  and  had  in  no 
case  imposed  my  services  upon  any  one,  contrary 
to  his  inclination,  but  I  desired  him  to  remember, 
that  there  is  but  one  religion  in  heaven,  and  but  one 
religion  that  leads  to  heaven,  which  consists  in  re- 
pentance toward  God,  and  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  With  these  words  I  left  him;  but  he 
•;ould  not  help  railing  at  me,  for  saying  to  another, 


130 

without  a  thought  of  hurting  the  feelings  of  any  one, 
"  that  all  the  men  on  earth  could  not  forgive  a  sin- 
gle sin." 

June  22nd. 

To-day  Captain  Jarvis  went  home.  The  Catho- 
lic who  was  well  disposed,  and  who  thought  yester- 
day that  he  was  recovering,  has  likewise  departed 
this  life.  Within  twenty-four  hours,  four  persons 
have  died  in  the  Hospital. 

This  evening  I  preached  in  the  Almshouse,  in 
the  hearing  of  the  soldier's  friend,  and  many  other 
afflicted  persons. 

June  23rd. 

Many  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Almshouse  fol- 
lowed their  preacher  to  the  Hospital  and  Irish 
Church,  to-day,  that  they  might  hear,  and  as  it  were 
treasure  up  a  store  against  the  time  of  his  tempora- 
ry absence,  which  has  been  announced  to  them. 
At  both  places  of  worship  George  sung  as  he  has 
invariably  done,  since  he  commenced  his  extensive 
clerkship.  This  blind  man  has  been  of  great  ser- 
vice to  many ;  and  it  gives  him  satisfaction  to  be 
cleanly  in  attire  one  day  out  of  seven,  and  to  change 
occasionally  the  scene  of  his  benighted  life. 

After  the  public  worship  is  concluded  in  the 
Hospital,  he  remains  there,  and  sings  in  different 
wards,  until  evening.  The  nurses  and  patients 
treat  him  with  great  attention,  and  seem  pleased  to 
give  him  a  portion  of  their  good  things.  They 
ought,  truly,  to  communicate  to  him  of  their  food, 


131 

for  one  says,  "  George,  will  you  sing  this  hymn?5' 
and  then  another  pleads,  that  he  would  go  to  the 
couch  of  another  dying  patient,  and  sing  a  second, 
third,  or  fourth  sacred  song.  "  The  labourer  is 
worthy  of  his  hire." 

In  this  manner  he  performs  his  part,  in  the  conso- 
lation of  the  sick  ;  and  not  unfrequentiy  arrests  the 
attention  of  those  who  lightly  esteem  the  word  of 
God. 

After  I  have  visited  the  Hospital  once  more,  I 
deem  a  vacation  necessary  for  my  health.  To  de- 
part, for  a  season,  is  a  matter  of  reluctance,  because 
many  will  probaby  die  without  instruction.  When 
one  sick  man  is  addressed,  many  listen ;  and  in  the 
course  of  a  few  days,  not  unfrequentiy  some  one  of 
them  desires  "  that  minister"  to  be  called,  who  late- 
ly visited  his  companions.  In  this  manner,  new  ap- 
plicants for  spiritual  treasures  are  procured,  who 
would  otherwise,  most  commonly,  die  in  stupidity. 

Even  so  died,  annually,  not  less  than  two  hun- 
dred persons,  in  these  two  Institutions,  before  there 
was  any  establishment  of  a  stated  ministry  for  their 
benefit. 

"  But  are  our  efforts  only  to  be  directed  to  the 
heathen  ?  Do  they  alone  need  our  aid  ?  From  dif- 
ferent parts  of  our  city  cries  reach  us  in  the  lan- 
guage of  the  man  of  Macedonia,  <  come  over  and 
help  us.'  They  are  the  cries  of  our  Christian 
brethren,  who  once  like  you  enjoyed  the  benefits  of 
a  gospel  ministry,  but  in  the  course  of  providence 
have  been  deprived  of  them.  They  feel  their 
wants  the  more  sensibly,  because  they  know  from 


132 

past  experience  the  value  of  divine  ordinances. 
Their  case  is  painful;  their  necessities  urgent*." 

"  Is  there  a  Christian  here,  who  knows  how  to 
do  good  unto  all,  but  especially  unto  them  that  are 
of  the  household  of  faith. ?  Among  these  afflicted, 
who  are  sinking  under  their  infirmities,  and  have  not 
where  to  lay  their  heads,  are  some  to  whom  the  ce- 
lestials minister,  and  who  are  fellow-heirs  with  Christ 
in  glory.  I  state  the  facts :  I  use  no  arguments :  I 
leave  the  result  with  your  consciences,  your  hearts, 
and  your  Godf." 

Were  Christians  solicitous  as  they  should  be  to 
evince  their  faith  to  the  world  by  their  works,  were 
they  mindful  of  their  high  destination,  or  would 
they  constantly  remember  that  there  is  but  a  step 
between  them  and  death,  there  would  be  no  want  of 
ministers  of  the  gospel,  nor  any  lack  of  a  suitable 
support  for  them.  Men  and  money  enough  can  be 
found  for  all  other  purposes  beside  religion.  When 
was  it  difficult  to  find  men,  who  would  teach  and 
bear  rule  in  social  and  civil  matters  ?  Let  us  strive 
to  act  for  eternity  under  this  impression,  that  it  is 
appointed  unto  all  men  once  to  die,  and  after  the 
dissolution  of  soul  and  body,  to  appear  before  the 
judgment  seat  of  Christ. 

"  O  death,  thou  king  of  terrors !  dreadful  name  ! 
"  Nor  rev'rend  hoary  age,  nor  blooming  youth, 
"  Nor  boasted  strength,  escape  thy  fatal  dart. 
"  Not  the  persuasive  power  of  beauty's  charms, 


fr  Dr.  Homeyn's  Sermon  before  the  Committee  of  Missions. 
['  Dr.  Ma30n's  Sermon  on  Living  Fail!', 


133 

"  Nor  the  soft  moving  tears  of  innocence 
"  Can  stay  thy  hand  :  nor  can  the  miser's  gold, 
"  Nor  all  the  treasures  of  the  eastern  shore, 
"  Buy  one  short  moment  of  relentless  death." 

Mrs.  Steell. 


Lord's  Day,  July  23/fc. 

ON  Thursday  last  I  returned  to  this  city,  after 
having  been  absent  four  sabbaths,  and  on  Friday  vi- 
sited both  the  institutions  in  which  I  labour. 

Were  a  representation  of  the  lively  joy  which  was 
manifested  on  this  occasion  to  be  attempted,  I  should 
undoubtedly  be  thought  proud  of  the  esteem  of  the 
poor.  It  may  be  permitted  to  me,  however,  to 
state,  that  I  could  not  wish  a  more  welcome  recep- 
tion. 

In  the  morning  of  this  day  I  preached  in  the 
Almshouse  to  many;  and  should  have  addressed 
more,  but  they  could  not  gain  admission  to  the 
room. 

In  the  afternoon  some  of  the  paupers  who  desired 
to  attend  public  worship  twice  on  the  sabbath,  fol- 
lowed their  preacher  to  the  Hospital.  He  stood  in 
the  long  gallery,  between  two  rooms,  and  had  more 
hearers  than  could  be  conveniently  seated.  It  is  not 
amiss  for  the  well,  sometimes  to  stand,  and  hear 
a  discourse,  but  it  will  not  favour  the  restoration  of 
the  sick.  The  superintendent  wisely  decided,  that 
in  future,  no  persons  shall  be  admitted  from  the 
Almshouse  excepting  the  blind  clerk  and  his  leader. 
-  An  English  blood  was  one  of  the  hearers  in  the 
Hospital,  who  was  brought  in  to  have  a  broken  knee 
12 


134 

made  whole.  He  has  a  fine  countenance,  and  one 
who  was  ignorant  of  his  history  would  certainly  be 
prepossessed  in  his  favour.  Such  an  eye  as  he 
possesses  does  not  indicate  a  bad  temper. 

But  he  came  to  this  country  almost  destitute  of 
pecuniary  resourced,  and  completely  devoid  of  prin- 
ciple. He  was  soon  after  followed  by  a  young 
lady,  to  whom  he  had  been  long  engaged,  and  who 
was  so  unfortunate  as  to  love  him.  Unwrorthiness 
is  often  discovered,  when  the  heart  says,  "  it  is  too 
late  !"  and  when  the  dev elopement  of  character  pre- 
sents a  feeble  obstruction  to  the  indulgence  of  that 
passion  which  has  become  dominant  in  the  soul. 
This  young  woman  must  have  imagined  her  pretend- 
ed lover  worthy,  when  she  first  indulged  a  partiality 
for  him ;  and  perhaps  she  thought  that  his  face 
could  not  be  the  index  of  dishonourable  character. 

When  she  arrived  in  America,  (according  to  pre- 
concert between  them,  I  believe,)  she  had  property 
and  he  had  none;  and  being  disposed  to  secure  a 
little  fortune,  with  little  trouble,  he  was  united  to  her 
in  the  solemn  bands  of  wedlock,  by  a  Reverend 
gentleman,  who  can  attest  the  fact. 

It  might  have  been  expected,  that  from  this  day, 
according  to  covenant,  they  should  be  no  longer 
twain  but  one.  This  was  not  the  case,  for  the 
young  man  having  come  into  possession  of  her  pro- 
perty, before  the  night  of  the  day  of  their  marriage, 
sailed  on  a  mercantile  expedition  to  one  of  the 
southern  islands,  where  he  contrived  to  squander 
the  four  or  five  thousand  dollars,  which  he  had  ob- 
tained by  a  sort  of  connubial  swindling. 


135 

After  some  time  lie  returned  to  this  city,  anil 
avoided  seeing  the  woman  whom  he  had  deeply  in- 
jured. He  boarded  in  a  respectable  family,  and 
sought  to  gain  the  affections  of  another  young  lady, 
whom  he  persuaded  himself  that  he  loved  to  despe- 
ration. 

The  rumour,  that  Mr. was  already  married, 

came  to  the  ears  of  the  father  of  the  female  whom 
he  sought,  and  in  consequence  of  this,  the  young 
man  was  banished  from  the  house.  The  fact  of 
his  union  to  the  woman,  who  claimed  him  for  her 
husband,  he  solemnly  denied ;  but  at  this  critical 
juncture  he  was  arrested  in  the  public  streets  by  a 
civil  officer,  who  would  have  led  him  to  the  proper 
abode  of  such  a  cockney.  The  prisoner  requested 
that  he  might  be  permitted  to  ride  to  Bridewell, 
because  he  was  a  gentleman :  and  assured  the  man 
in  authority,  that  if  he  would  relinquish  his  hold  of 
the  bridle,  there  should  be  no  escape,  no  resistance. 
Repeatedly  the  blood  promised,  by  all  that  was  sa- 
cred, to  ride  with  his  keeper  peaceably  to  the  place 
of  destination.  Behold,  now,  the  value  of  this  ex- 
clamation, "  upon  my  sacred  word  and  honour !" 
So  soon  as  the  officer  believed  the  assertion,  the 
person  whom  he  trusted,  put  spurs  and  whip  to  his 
horse,  that  he  might  escape.  Away  he  fled  like 
John  Gilpin ;  and  the  officer  followed  hard  after 
him ;  but  the  way  of  transgressors  is  hard  ;  for  in 
full  career  through  Broadway  the  horse  of  the  fugi- 
tive dashed  his  rider  against  a  cart  and  fractured  his 
leg.  By  this  event  he  was  made  a  prisoner  again  ; 
and  now  is  not  only  a  patient  but  a  prisoner  in  the 


136 

Hospital.  What  is  to  be  the  issue  I  know  not; 
but  I  could  wish  that  he  might  return  to  his  senses* 
and  prove  himself  a  faithful  husband  to  her,  who  is 
his  lawfully  wedded  wife. 

It  is  said,  that  she  still  tenderly  regards  him,  and 
would  gladly  pardon  all  his  misconduct.  Something 
within  him  should  say, 

"  Can  that  soft  fabric  stem  affliction's  tide  ? 
"  Canst  thou,  fair  emblem  of  exalted  truth, 
"  To  sorrow  doom  the  summer  of  thy  youth; 
'*  And  I  perfidious  !  all  that  sweetness  see 
"  Consign'd  to  lasting  misery  for  me  V1 

Falconer. 

August  1st, 
EIGHT  wards  of  the  Hospital  have  been  visited 
to-day,  in  such  a  parochial  way,  as  I  suppose  all 
faithful  pastors  visit  the  families  of  their  congrega- 
tions. My  own  motives  I  shall  not  presume  to  state, 
for  my  readers  would  be  dependent  on  the  testimo- 
ny of  one  person  concerning  himself;  but  this  may 
be  asserted,  and  I  trust  accredited,  that  more  appa- 
rent good  has  resulted  from  personal  conversations, 
than  from  public  discourses.  These  should  never 
be  separated.  A  popular  sermon  resembles  a  note 
of  hand ;  and  the  private  application  which  should 
follow  is  like  the  endorsement,  which  often  proves 
the  most  important  part  of  the  instrument.  An  old 
pastor,  of  my  acquaintance,  has  been  in  the  habit 
of  saying  to  young  ministers,  "  remember  to  back 
your  discourses  well,  in  your  intercourse  with  your 
people." 


137 

When  a  few  personal  questions  are  proposed  to  a 
patient,  he  feels  like  that  man,  who  was  the  only  au- 
ditor of  a  clergyman  on  a  rainy  sabbath,  that  the 
doctrine  must  be  intended  for  himself,  and  not  for 
others.  The  circumstance  that  he  was  the  only 
hearer  so  powerfully  arrested  his  attention,  that  the 
sermon,  which  he  then  heard,  was  sanctified  to  his 
conviction  of  sin,  and  conversion  to  God. 

In  one  of  the  wards,  an  aged  woman,  whom  all 
denominate  "  grandmother,"  was  yet  alive,  while  a 
sweet  little  child,  which  the  Almoners  of  the  Dor- 
cas Society  found  half  starved  in  a  garret,  clothed, 
and  placed  in  the  Hospital,  was  dead.  This  So- 
ciety is  of  modern  origin;  and  has  already  done 
much  good.  The  members  of  it  deserve  an  honour- 
able record  of  this  fact,  that  they  make  all  the  gar- 
ments which  they  distribute,  with  their  own  hands. 
One  of  the  company  reads  some  entertaining  book, 
while  all  the  other  members  ply  the  needle.  Frcni 
unfeigned  respect  to  the  ladies  of  this  charity,  the 
writer  begs  then*  acceptance  of  the  following 

HYMN*. 

The  heavens  declare  Jehovah's  praise, 

Let  earth  her  incense  yield, 
For  He  who  clothes  the  sun  with  rays, 

With  verdure  clothes  the  field. 

*  Several  previous  parts  of  this  journal  were  published  in  the 
Christians'  Magazine,  and  these  lines  Avere,  by  the  politeness  of 
Mr  Lewis,  at  a  later  date,  inserted  in  "  the  Commercial  Ad- 
vertiser." 

12  # 


138 

In  gay  attire  the  lilies  stand, 

With  ev'ry  humble  flow'r, 
To  own  their  drap'ry  from  his  hand 

Who  mingles  love  with  pow'r. 

He  gives  each  bird  a  plumy  dress 

To  shield  it  from  the  storm  ; 
And  to  preclude  a  hare's  distress, 

A  vestment  soft,  and  warm. 

From  Heav'n's  high  wardrobe  ev'ry  lamb 

With  fleecy  wool  is  drest, 
And  ev'ry  lion  with  his  dam 

Receives  a  sackcloth  vest. 

The  tender  tribes  are  finest  clad, 

And  coarser  clad  the  bold, 
But  Heaven  permits  not  tigers  mad 

To  perish  with  the  cold. 

When  the  first  pair  of  human  race 

Knew  exigence  by  sin, 
A  sacrifice  prefigur'd  grace,- 

And  coats  were  made  of  skin. 

He  makes  the  flaxen  herbage  grow  ; 

lie  bids  the  silk-worm  spin, 
And  cotton  thrive,  in  Summer's  glow, 

To  yield  us  garments  thin. 

In  spring,  their  fleece  the  flocks  divide 

With  ev'ry  northern  clan, 
To  warm  mankind,  and  humble  pride 

In  ev'ry  fallen  man. 


139 

To  imitate  her  Maker's  love 

Good  Dorcas  was  intent, 
And  when  ascending  far  above 

A  pattern  downward  sent. 

Some  females  found  it,  and  have  made 

Like  vestments  for  the  poor, 
The  naked  poor  of  ev'ry  grade, 

The  white  child,  and  the  mooi% 

In  robes  of  heaven-wrought  righteousness 

May  ev'ry  Dorcas  shine, 
And  bless'd  by  others,  Jesus  bless, 

For  garments  all  divine. 

Almost  every  face  in  the  ward  of  courtesans  was 
new  to  me  ;  but  I  found  one  sad  young  thing,  called 
Caroline,  reading  the  Bible,  and  commended  her 
conduct  in  searching  the  scriptures.  "  I  think  it, 
Sir,"  she  replied,  "  the  best  of  books,  while  I  am 
confident  that  I  have  violated  all  its  principles." 

In  another  ward,  I  approached  the  bed  of  the 
young  Englishman,  and  conversed  with  a  sick  man, 
whose  wife  supported  her  husband's  head  on  the 
next  couch.  What  I  said  to  this  person  was  as 
much  designed  for  the  Englishman  as  himself ;  but 
I  avoided  the  appearance  of  knowing  any  thing 
about  the  latter.  When  I  was  turning  away,  the 
apparently  neglected  young  man  said,  "  we  all  feel 
indebted  to  you,  Sir,  for  your  attentions,  and  I  hope 
we  shall  profit  from  them."  His  words  were  utter- 
ed in  a  soft  tone,  and  with  a  pleasingly  pensive  coun- 
tenance. 


140 

Hastily  turning  around  to  him,  and  fixing  my 
eyes  firmly  on  him,  with  mingled  emotions,  I  said, 
"  it  would  give  me  great  delight  to  be  of  service  to 
you  all.  I  am  constrained  to  acknowledge,  that  had 
not  divine  power  prevented,  I  might  have  been  in 
your  situation  ;  and  therefore  do  not  imagine  that  I 
reproach  you,  from  any  disposition  to  say,  '  God,  I 
thank  thee,  that  1  have  made  myself  to  differ.'" 

When  I  gazed  on  his  mild  eyes,  they  looked 
something  like  ingenuous  shame,  and  they  were  cast 
down.     Who  could  believe  the  story  of  his  base- 


ness 


"  Forlorn  of  hope,  the  lovely  maid  he  left, 

"  Pensive  and  pale,  of  ev'ry  joy  bereft. 

"   She  to  her  silent  couch  retir'd  to  weep, 

"   While  her  mad  swain  tmbark'd  upon  the  deep.'* 

"  You  appear  to  be  of  my  age,  and  I  presume, 
in  relation  to  worldly  prospects,  have  seen  better 
days..  May  your  latter  end  be  better  than  the  be- 
ginning of  life." 

"  I  am  twenty-five  years  of  age,"  said  the  youth 
with  a  smile,  and  intimated  that  he  was  gratified 
with  the  interest  which  a  stranger  appeared  to  take 
in  his  welfare. 

"  We  have  lived  long  enough  to  know  the  vanity 
of  that  *  world,  which  lieth  in  wickedness.'  I 
have  tasted  of  the  Litter  cup  of  disappointment, 
vexation,  sorrow,  and  anguish,  because,  through  my 
whole  life,  I  have  been  a  sinner.  Let  me  tejl  you, 
friend,  that  all  your  troubles  are  the  effects  afcd  due 
punishments  of  your  own  wickedness." 


141 

After  this  speech,  he  said  that  he  would  frankly 
confess  himself  a  gay  and  thoughtless  fellow  ;  but 
it  was  from  the  want  of  reflection  that  he  had  yield- 
ed to  almost  every  temptation. 

"  Now,  then,  you  have  time  for  reflection.  c  In 
the  day  of  adversity  consider,'  for  '  thus  saith  the 
Lord,  consider  your  ways.'  *  If  you  are  not  brought 
to  serious  reflection  on  the  past,  if  you  make  no 
preparation  for  the  future,  your  sufferings  will  be  of 
no  use,  and  all,  even  the  soul,  will  be  lost  for  ever." 

After  much  confusion  of  face  he  recovered  confi- 
dence, and  diverted  the  discourse  from  personal  ap- 
plications of  truth,  to  doctrinal  discussion.  He 
proposed  many  questions  about  the  nature  of  re- 
pentance, the  certainty  of  divine  forgiveness,  and 
the  evidences  of  a  future  judgment. 

Repentance,  in  general,  was  stated  to  be  such  a 
change  in  a  person's  perceptions  as  is  inseparably 
connected  with  regret  for  past  conduct  and  a  deter- 
mination to  pursue  a  different  course  in  future. 
Repentance  relates  to  our  own  actions ;  for  I  may 
lament  the  misconduct  of  others,  but  can  never  re- 
pent for  their  transgressions.  Evangelical,  or  sav- 
ing repentance,  is  such  a  change  in  a  person's  per- 
ceptions of  evangelical  truth,  as  is  inseparably  con- 
nected with  regret  for  past  sin,  hatred  of  it,  and  so- 
lemn purpose  of  new  obedience.  From  an  appre- 
hension of  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  the  penitent 
feels  the  complex  emotion  of  hatred  against  all  un- 
belief, and  of  earnest  desire  to  live  a  life  of  faith 
on  the  Son  of  God.  This  change  of  mind  will 
produce  a  corresponding  alteration  in  the  external 
conduct. 


142 

The  certainty  that  God  will  forgive  the  sins  of 
every  believer,  so  as  not  to  punish  him  for  one  of 
them,  was  proved  by  some  of  the  positive  assertions 
of  Jehovah,"  which  are  recorded  in  the  holy  scrip- 
tures. 

That  there  will  be  a  future,  general  judgment, 
may  be  rendered  probable,  from  a  statement  of  the 
principles  of  distributive  justice,  and  the  proof  of 
the  fact,  that,  in  the  present  world,  all  men  are  not 
treated  by  the  moral  Governor  of  the  universe  ac- 
cording to  their  conduct :  but,  when  it  is  granted 
that  the  scriptures  were  given  by  inspiration  of  God, 
it  is  enough  to  read,  that  God  "  hath  appointed  a 
*  day  in  the  which  he  will  judge  the  world  in  right- 
eousness." 

The  same  young  man  argued  in  favour  of  a  state 
of  insensibility  between  death  and  the  resurrection, 
w  because,"  he  said,  "  none  can  be  miserable  until 
they  are  condemned."  He  had  forgotten  that  un- 
believers "  are  condemned  already,"  that  the  whole 
family  of  Adam  is  subjected  to  partial  punishment  in 
the  present  life,  in  consequence  of  the  universal  con- 
demnation, and  that  future  sufferings  will  be  nothing 
more  than  the  protracted  vengeance  of  the  original 
curse.  The  day  of  final  judgment  will  rather  wit- 
ness the  confirmation  of  the  first  sentence  of  con- 
demnation, than  present  a  new  one  ;  for  then  such  as 
have  been  unclean,  and  abominable,  and  accursed, 
will  be  assured  that  they  shall  remain  "  filthy  still," 
and  "  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment."  If  it 
remains  sfJll  to  be  decided,  whether  men  shall  come 
under  the  sentence  of  condemnation,  why  do  they 


143 

suffer?  why  do  they  die?  Can  it  be  possible,  that 
God  inflicts  the  penalty  of  his  law  upon  mortals, 
without   solemnly  deciding  that  they  are  guilty  ? 

Many  of  the  common  arguments  against  the  slum- 
ber of  the  soul  for  ages,  which  were  conclusive  in 
the  mind  of  the  speaker,  were  then  exhibited,  and 
the  Englishman  was  left  to  his  reflections,  but  not 
without  the  expression  of  a  prayer,  that  God  would 
make  him  wise  and  happy. 

That  a  young  man,  who  possesses  a  good  mind, 
pleasing  manners,  and  many  personal  accomplish- 
ments, should  marry  Jo  defraud  a  young  lady  of 
her  money,  squander  it  upon  his  lusts,  seduce  the 
unsuspecting,  engage  himself  to  be  married  again, 
"  pawn  his  sacred  honour,"  violate  it  the  next  mo- 
ment, and  traduce  his  lawful  wife,  by  saying  that  he 
had,  during  courtship,  kept  her  as  his  mistress,  ex- 
hibits in  strong  colours  the  odious  depravity  of  un- 
sanctified  human  nature. 

I  next  visited  the  room  where  I  was  accustomed 
to  see  the  old  sailor,  J —  R — .  The  last  time  I 
had  an  interview  with  him  was  on  the  day  before  I 
left  the  city  for  the  country. 

I  met  him  in  a  solitary  part  of  the  Hospital.  He 
arose,  bowed,  and  said,  "  Sir,  I  am  glad  to  see  you  : 
I  wish  to  speak  to  you :  I  want  to  know  what  sins 
a  believer  may  be  left  to  commit." 

It  was  not  in  the  power  of  any  man  to  tell  him 
what  sin,  except  blasphemy,  the  renewed  man  might 
not,  when  tempted,  and  in  a  measure  deserted,  per- 
petrate. With  much  solemnity  he  wished  to  know 
what  was  the  sin  of  blasphemy  against  the  Holy 


141 

Ghost,  for  he  confessed  himself  a  blasphemous 
wretch.  There  is  a  sin  unto  death,  which  we  are 
not  to  pray  that  God  would  pardon.  It  is  a  sin, 
which  springs  from  conscious  enmity  to  what  is 
known  to  be  the  gracious  operation  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  It  is  a  public,  wilful  sin  of  the  tongue, 
against  the  Holy  Ghost;  in  which  a  person  desirous 
of  destroying  experimental  religion,  imputes,  contra- 
ry to  the  dictates  of  his  own  conscience,  the  divine 
operations  in  the  performance  of  miracles,  or  in  con- 
vincing, converting,  and  sanctifying  sinners  to  the 
devil,  or  some  devilish  priestcraft. 

This  sin  R —  thought  that  he  had  not  committed, 
but  said,  with  tears  streaming  from  his  eyes,  "  I  sin 
so  enormously  and  so  repeatedly,  that  I  fear  there  is 
no  mercy  for  me.  When  I  hear  you  preach  I  be- 
lieve what  you  say,  and  last  Sunday  I  wanted  to 
hide  myself,  and  cry  my  fill ;  but  yesterday  I  fell 
into  my  old  sins  again.  You  do  not  know  what  a 
sinner  I  am." 

"  But  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to  save 
sinners  from  themselves  and  from  hell,  and  the  great- 
ness of  your  sin  cannot  exclude,  you  from  heaven,  if 
you  truly  believe  and  repent." 

"  Sir,  I  confess,"  said  R — ,  falling  on  his  knees, 
— "  confess  not  to  me,  for  I  am  a  sinner !" — "  Sir, 
I  confess  to  God,  that  I  am  the  vilest,  hell-deserving 
sinner,  and  I  pray  God  to  lake  away  my  sius." 

His  attitude,  his  tears,  his  unaffected  agony  of 
soul,  accompanied  with  the  conviction,  that  in  spite 
of  the  terrors  of  the  Lord  he  would  yield  to  the 
dominion  of  ardent  spirits,  made  me  tremblingly  ask 


145 

myself,  "  Lord,  what  is  man  V*  Were  it  not  for  the 
habit  of  intemperance,  might  not  this  sinner  enter 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  ? 

J —  R—  was  now  gone,  not  to  the  grave  as  most 
seamen  do,  before  they  have  floated  half  the  number 
of  his  days,  but  to  the  city,  and  I  fear  will  soon  ar- 
rive at  one  world  of  spirits,  which  will  prove  an  aw- 
ful prelude  to  the  other.  In  his  place,  I  found  a 
respectable,  white-headed  man,  Mr.  T.  S.  C — ,  who 
entertained  me  with  a  long  religious  conversation, 
which  was  like  a  sermon  to  the  patients  of  the  room, 
from  one  of  their  companions.  The  substance  of 
his  conversation,  and  his  language  was  this. 

"  I  am  an  old  man :  I  have  travelled  much ;  and 
particularly  in  the  Southern  part  of  our  country. 
There  people  call  me  a  fatalist,  because  I  maintain 
that  God  convinces  of  sin,  God  works  faith,  God 
pardons,  God  justifies,  and  God  saves  the  sinner 
from  divine  self-moving  goodness.  When  I  was  in 
Washington  a  methodist  came  many  miles  to  hold  a 
disputation  with  me,  and  prove  that  I  was  a  fatalist, 
but  finally  he  confessed  that  God  awakens,  alarms, 
convinces,  and  converts  the  sinner,  so  that  I  had  only 
to  thank  him  for  coming  to  me  with  the  confession 
of  the  truth,  One  thing  1  shall  maintain  with  my 
latest  breath,  that  no  sinner  would  ever  be  saved, 
were  it  not  for  the  compelling  grace  of  God ;  for 
after  the  sinner  is  converted  he  keeps  drawing  back 
to  sin.  My  only  consolation  is,  that  if  God  intends 
to  save  me,  he  will  not  suffer  me  to  sin,  so  as  firmly 
to  fall  away.  The  reason  why  people  call  me  a  fa- 
blist  is  because  they  are  Arminians," 
13 


146 

With  much  similar  doctrine  and  language  the  old 
man  spake  for  nearly  half  an  hour,  and  then  fell 
hack  exhausted  on  his  pillow.  Half  the  Doctors 
do  not  teach  so  well  as  this  man. 

Among  the  events  which  deserve  a  place  in  the 
short,  but  faithful  annals  of  the  poor,  is  the  founda- 
tion of  the  new  Almshouse.  The  corner-stone  was 
{aid  Gn  this  1st  day  of  August,  A.  D.  1811. 

The  new  building  will  be  erected  a  few  miles  from 
the  city,  in  an  airy  situation,  near  the  east  river.  It 
Is  to  be  much  larger  than  the  present,  and  divided 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  prevent  all  improper  inter- 
course between  the  paupers.  It  will  also  contain  a 
chapel  for  public  worship,  in  which  I  hope  some  one, 
or  many,  will  preach  the  Gospel  of  salvation  to  the 
poor. 

The  honourable  corporation  of  this  city  have  de- 
served the  applause  of  their  fellow-citizens  for  lay- 
ing the  corner-stone  of  an  edifice,  which  will,  in  the 
opinion  of  every  benevolent  man,  be  a  more  distin- 
guished ornament  of  this  metropolis  than  the  beauti- 
ful marble  hall  of  justice.  The  latter  is  the  finest 
structure  in  our  country ;  but  the  plain  walls  of  the 
former  will  have  more  glory* 

In  this  place,  the  reader  may  not  be  displeased 
with  an  extract  from  an  anonymous  letter,  addressed 
to  the  stated  preacher ;  which  appears  to  be  in  the 
antograph  of  some  venerable  clergyman. 

"  What  is  our  world  but  an  Alsmhouse  and  an 
Hospital !  Are  not  all  upon  alms  ?  Who  made  the 
world  for  us?  Who  hath  spread  out  the  heavens 
for  entertainment,  for  our  dignity,  and  for  our  glory  T 


147 

Who  from  the  heavens  poureth  down  daily  bom: 
ties  on  every  living  thing?  Who  hath  stretched 
abroad  the  sea,  filling  it  with  its  treasures,  conveying 
on  its  surface  the  fulness  of  every  clime  ?  Who  hath 
ordained  the  vegetable,  the  animal,  and  the  mineral 
kingdoms,  that  they  should  contribute  of  their  boun- 
ties to  the  use  and  ornament  of  man  ?  Who  hath 
ordained  to  us  life,  and  health,  and  friendships,  and 
employments,  and  profits,  and  riches  ?  Are  not  all 
these,  in  measure  and  sort  best  suited  to  our  condi- 
tion, poured  out  from  the  store-house  of  God's  infi- 
nite fulness  ?  Do  they  not  fall  as  alms  upon  impo- 
tent, impoverished,  and  needy  mortals  here  below  ? 
Surely  we  are  all  receivers  of  alms.  God  is  the 
Grand  Almoner  of  the  universe.  Angels  and  men, 
heaven  and  earth,  must  subscribe  to  this  doctrine. 

"  Pensioners  we  all  are.  Life  we  did  not  procure, 
and  life  we  cannot  keep.  Health  may  be  enjoyed, 
but  who  can  endorse  upon  it  ?  Riches  may  be  in 
hand,  but  who  can  command  that  they  should  never 
flee  away  ?  Friends  may  surround  us,  but  who  can 
blunt  the  edge  of  death,  that  it  shall  never  mow 
them  down?  Mental  strength,  vivid  imagination, 
and  powers  of  utterance,  like  dew-drops,  may  spar- 
kle about  our  head,  but  shall  not  the  scorching  sun 
and  blowing  wind  soon  dry  and  shake  our  leaves  ? 
Alas  !  alas  !  how  soon  is  gone,  what  man  may  most 
call  his  own!  From  stations  of  honour,  from  the 
sanctuaries  of  learning  and  religion,  how  soon  fade 
the  gifts,  which  form  the  wreath  of  human  glory  ! 
Certainly  the  most  celebrated  persons  were  the  re- 
cipients of  alms.     They  deserved  them  not,  they 


148 

procured  them  not,  they  retained  them  not.  Can 
less  be  said  of  your  congregation  at  the  Almshouse  ? 
They  are  only  stripped  of  what  once  they  were, 
from  the  free  bounty  of  heaven.  They  have  lived 
upon  the  Almshouse  from  their  birth ;  and  so  have 
we,  and  so  has  every  man.  If  you  are  ashamed  to 
preach  at  the  Almshouse  of  one  city,  look  up,  and 
be  astonished  that  the  Deity  should  condescend  to 
minister  of  his  alms  to  such  a  thousand  cities,  in 
such  a  thousand  Ways !  What  a  glorious  and  full- 
handed  Almoner  must  the  Almighty  be !  He  deals 
out  worlds,  and  their  inhabitants  ;  kingdoms  and 
their  hosts  ;  men  with  their  families  ;  and  appoints  to 
them  their  supplies.  Glorious  God  !  we  bow  at  thy 
fulness,  astonished  at  thy  goodness,  and  are  hum- 
bled at  the  sight  of  our  emptiness ! 

"  Your  Almshouse  then  is  an  epitome  of  the  Uni- 
verse !  All  dependent,  all  needy,  all  provided  for  1 
What  then  is  the  Hospital  ?  It  is  a  commentary  on 
the  Almshouse.  It  teaches,  that  well  as  we  may  be 
provided  for  in  meats  and  drinks,  the  Hospital  must 
receive  us  at  last.  As  fully  as  your  city  is  supplied, 
it  must  have  its  Hospital.  As  healthy  as  the  in- 
habitants may  appear,  there  must  be  a  sick  room : 
and  long  as  some  may  promise  to  live,  they  must 
die :  so  that  all  who  have  drawn  their  supplies  from 
the  great  store-house  of  God's  bounty  through  life, 
must  come  to  the  Hospital  of  infirmity  and  of  death, 
at  last." 

The  founders  and  supporters  of  the  new  Alms- 
house, therefore,  are  permitted  to  become  workers 
with  God,  in   relieving  misery,  feeding  the   poor, 


149 

healing  the  sick,  and  promoting   the  happiness  of 
needy  mortals. 

August  2nd. 

THIS  afternoon  was  devoted  to  the  visiting  of 
six  wards  in  the  Almshouse. 

The  guardian  of  the  sick  soldier  has  revived  a  lit- 
tle, and  has  left  the  institution.  From  the  room,  in 
which  she  lay,  several  have  lately  been  carried  to 
the  grave.  In  another  ward  I  found  A —  TV —  still 
alive,  but  more  emaciated  than  when  I  saw  her  last, 
and  in  the  same  gloomy  stupor.  In  another  ward, 
I  found,  besides  one  or  two  from  the  Hospital,  one 
whom  I  do  not  disdain  to  call  friend ;  for  she  appears 
to  be  a  friend  to  Jesus.  It  was  M —  B — ,  who  has 
gained  considerable  flesh,  and  who  has  new  some 
hope  of  restoration  to  health ;  but  who  gives  as  much 
evidence  of  penitence,  as  she  did  when  in  despair  of 
life.  In  another  ward,  as  my  shade  darkened  the 
door  of  the  room,  the  aged  woman,  introduced  to  nc- 
tice  in  my  record  of  Jan.  1st,  exclaimed,  "  there 
comes  my  Christian  friend  again.  O  Sir,  stop,  I 
want  to  hear  you  talk  ;  j  want  to  talk  to  you." 

Among  other  things,  she  said,  with  emphasis,  "I 
know  that  Jesus  died  for  me,  poor  wicked  me,  and 
how  can  I  help  loving  him  ?" 

I  demanded  if  she  was  not  afraid  to  nay,  that  lie 
had  died/or  her  particularly  and  personally;  and 
asked  how  she  knew  it. 

"  By  the  spirit  he  has  given  me  ;,J   was  her  reply, 
H  for  if  God  had' n't  given  his  Son  to  die  for  me,  he 
WotddVt  have  given  me  such  faith  and  hope,  and 
13  * 


150 

love.  O  Jesus  is  precious,  Sir,  to  me,  for  he  is  my 
Saviour ;  he  is  all  my  hope ;  and  I  wait  to  go  to 
him  when  he  calls.  I  believe  every  word  he  says, 
and  that  makes  me  alive.  I  live  on  him  by  day  and 
night,  and  that  makes  me  forget  my  old  age,  my  po- 
verty, and  bodily  pain." 

Had  I  talked  to  this  woman  about  Christ's  dying 
for  sin  in  gereral,  and  not  particularly  to  redeem  the 
persons  of  believers,  I  think  she  would  not  have  un* 
derstood  me. 

In  the  blind  ward  I  found  Wm.  Mc  D — ,  an  old 
man,  blind  ever  since  his  remembrance,  turning  out 
button-moulds.  Commonly  he  is  found  at  this  busi- 
ness ;  for  he  is  allowed  the  profits  of  his  labour.  He 
purchases  huck-bones  of  the  cooks,  splits  them  with 
a  hatchet,  and  prepares  them  by  boiling,  to  come  un- 
der the  operation  of  his  turning  machine.  He  can 
make  two  gross  in  a  day  ;  and  they  are  far  superior 
to  any  of  the  imported  button-moulds.  Here  I  saw 
also  a  widow,  who  has  been  blind  four  years,  helping 
herself  to  a  few  cents,  daily,  by  cutting  walnut  skew- 
ers for  the  butchers  to  give  a  bloated  consistency  to 
their  meat.  She  was  contented  with  her  employ- 
ment, and  said  that  her  first  wish  was  to  know  and 
please  God.  S::ch  advice  and  consolation  as  I  was 
able  to  give,  was  bestowed  upon  all.  God  bless  the 
poor !  May  they  be  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  the 
kingdom  of  God! 

August  4tk. 
THE  room  was  more  than  full  this  morning  at  the 
Almshouse ;  and  one  person  who  was  never  present 


151 

before,  was  arrested  by  the  truth ;  so  that  before 
the  close  of  service  he  wept  like  a  child.  Besides 
him,  a  middle-aged  woman,  who  has  for  months  been 
attentive  to  the  word,  was  overcome,  I  hope  by  the 
grace  of  God.  She  could  not  restrain  her  feelings; 
and  requested,  after  service,  that  she  might  soon 
have  opportunity  to  converse  with  me.  E —  C — , 
a  tall,  neat,  aged,  pious  woman,  evinced  how  much 
she  loved  the  truth,  by  arising  from  the  bed,  to 
which  she  was  confined  yesterday,  creeping  up 
stairs,  and  paying  eager  attention  to  all  the  parts  of 
public  worship.  She  gave  me  her  hand,  burning 
with  the  hectic  fever,  and  death  looked  from  her 
eyes  upon  me ;  but  the  Spirit  of  God  dwells  in  her 
soul. 

I  visited  some  aged  women  in  another  room,  who 
almost  chided  me  for  not  preaching  in  their  presence 
more  frequently.  They  cannot  follow  me  from 
room  to  room,  by  reason  of  many  infirmities.  One 
was  reading  the  Bible  when  I  entered,  and  I  said, 
"  you  must  comfort  yourself  with  that  book,  when 
you  cannot  hear  the  ministers  of  reconciliation." 

"  It  is  my  comfort,"  she  said  ;  "  and  I  am  impa- 
tient that  you  do  not  come,  for  you  help  me  to  un- 
derstand it." 

In  the  afternoon  I  exchanged  with  Dr.  R ? 

who  went  to  the  Hospital,  preached  to  my  audi- 
ence, and  assures  me,  that  he  was  newer  more  deep- 
ly affected  in  any  place  of  public  worship,  than  at 
the  attention  of  the  affiicted  patients 


August  Sih. 

IN  his  excursions  through  eight  wards  of  the 

Hospital,  the  writer  found  one  T s  J s,  a 

miner,  who  was  born  in  America,  but  in  youth  went 
to  England,  resided  there  several  years,  and  spent 
much  of  his  time  in  subterranean  regions.  He  has 
not  long  resided  in  his  native  country.  During  the 
whole  of  this  summer  season,  sickness  h  s  prevent- 
ed him  from  labouring  more  than  two  or  three 
days. 

For  the  space  of  several  weeks  before  he  came 
to  this  institution  he  was  insane :  but  when  reason 
returned,  he  proposed  to  take  up  his  residence  in 
this  temple  of  charity,  that  his  wife  might  have  op- 
portunity to  maintain  their  children. 

Now  he  is  afflicted  with  the  dysentery ;  but  is 
patient  in  tribulation.  When  he  first  went  to  Eng- 
land, about  twenty-three  years  ago,  he  thinks  that 
he  was  converted  under  the  preach  tg  of  Mr.  John 
Wesley.  For  a  few  years  he  supposes  that  he 
grew  in  knowledge  and  grace ;  but  since  that  time 
he  feels  that  he  has,  the  greater  part  of  the  time, 
been  growing  worse.  "  When  I  look  upon  my- 
self," said  he,  "  every  one  else  is  whole.  I  know 
that  I  am  the  chief  of  sinners ;  but  still  I  hope,  be- 
cause God  has  spoken  peace,  through  Jesus  Christ." 
He  declared  that  the  situation  of  his  wife  and  chil- 
dren was  the  only  thing;  which  made  him  desire 
life. 


153 

"  There  is,  Sir,"  lie  affirmed,  "  such  a  thing  as 
a  willingness  to  die."  Although  most  men  will 
not  believe  it,  yet  there  is  in  some  believers  even  a 
desire  to  depart. 

The  writer  visited  the  young  Englishman  again, 
and  found  him  with  a  hymn-book  by  his  side.  He 
was  fond  of  conversing,  and  thought  that  "  affliction 
must  naturally  and  necessarily,  without  any  superna- 
tural influence,  make  men  better."  This  is  the 
judgment  of  all  who  know  but  little  of  the  sad  de- 
pravity of  the  human  heart.  Experience  has  long 
since  decided,  that  if  sickness  and  tribulations  are 
not  sanctified  by  some  extraneous  agency,  they  are 
of  no  personal  advantage. 

With    Mr.    T.    S.  C, the  aged  traveller, 

considerable  time  was  spent ;  and  our  conversation 
gained  the  attention  of  all  the  patients  in  the  room. 
His  principal  fault,  which  is  discoverable,  is  a  pole- 
mic spirit,  which  savours  a  little  too  much  of  bitter- 
ness. Still  he  thinks  many  erroneous  persons  sin- 
cere Christians.  In  doctrine  he  thinks  all  the 
churches  are  Arminian  in  the  United  States,  ex- 
cept the  different  denominations  of  Presbyterians 
and  Baptists.  To  a  long  hymn  of  thirteen  stanzas, 
which  he  composed  in  the  Hospital,  and  which  con- 
tain much  sound  doctrine,  but  no  poetry,  he  has 
subjoined  the  following 

NOTE. 

"  These  lines  go  to  show  the  impropriety  of  de- 
pending too  much  on  men's  works,  instead  of  grace, 
for  salvation ;  and  also  of  saying  that  a  covenant  of 
God  can  be  finally  lost,  as  it  would  argue  imperfec- 


154 

/ 
tion  in  God,  and  give  the  preference  to  the  devil. 
Tiie  Arminians  work  by  faith  without  grace,  and 
the  Predestinarians  through  faith  by  grace.  The 
Arminians  say,  after  God  converts  and  declares  the 
soul  an  heir  of  heaven,  that  the  devil  can  revoke  the 
decree,  and  damn  the  creature  at  last ;  but  the  Pre- 
destinarians urge,  that  when  God  does  the  work,  it  if? 
eternally  done,  independent  of  hell  itself." 

August  10th. 

**  Yet  shalt  thou  know,  nor  is  the  difference  nice, 

"  The  casual  fall,  from  impudence  of  vice. 

**  Abanden'd  guilt  by  active  laws  restrain, 

•*  But  pause if  virtue's  slightest  spark  remain." 

Langhohke, 

SIX  wards  in  the  Hospital  I  have  visited  to-day, 
and  prayed  with  many  in  the  closing  scenes  of  life. 
No  object  interested  my  feelings  more,  than  the 
young  person,  whom  on  the  first  day  of  the  present 
month,  was  found  reading  the  Bible.  She  has  a 
fair  complexion,  a  soft  eye,  a  fine  form,  agreeable 
features,  and  hands  more  delicate  than  they  should 
be,  unless  she  has  lived  in  a  family  of  distinction, 
and  is  a  child  of  affluence. 

She  says  that  she  has  lived  only  eighteen  years, 
and  her  many  tears  made  me  solicitous  to  become 
acquainted  with  her  whole  history.  Something  has 
been  collected  from  her,  by  some  of  the  persons  in 
the  Hospital,  at  different  times,  which  may  be 
partially  true,  wholly  true,  or  entirely  false.  So 
many  romantic  tales  are  told  by  the  patients  of  this 
sort,  that  kw  of  them  can  be  trusted. 


155 

According  to  her  account,  she  was  born  in  G — 11, 
in  the  State  of  Vermont.     She  has  a  father  and 
mother  living,  who  have  been  divorced*     All  the 
children  continued  with  their  mother.     One  of  her 
brothers  and  a  sister  are  married ;  but  she  and  her 
youngest  brother  remain  single.     Caroline,  (for  that 
is  the  name  of  the  person  in  the  Hospital,)  was 
Sent  to  a  boarding  school,  at  the  distance  of  a  few 
miles  from  her  mother's  residence,  where  she   be- 
came   acquainted    with   a   fascinating   young    man. 
For  three  months,  this  young  stranger,  who  had  bu- 
siness in  the  vicinity,  paid  her  flattering  attentions. 
At  the  expiration  of  that  period,  with  the  consent 
of  her  mother,  who  had  approved  of  his  suit,  they 
commenced  a  journey,  with  the  professed  intention 
of  seeing  his  relatives   in  P— — ,  where   the  ordi- 
nance of  marriage  was  to  be  administered.     Instead 

of  taking  her  to   P -,   they  came  without  her 

knowledge,  to  Pearl-street  in  this  city,  where  they 
boarded  with  a  widow  and  her  daughter,  in  genteel 
lodgings,  for  ten  days.     The  seducer  Continued  to 
renew  his  promise  of  taking  her  to  his  friends,  and  of 
becoming  her  husband.     She  loved  him  ardently, 
and  therefore  he  succeeded  in  quieting  her  appre- 
hensions.    He  enticed  her  delicately,  and  therefore 
successfully.     The  spoiler  came,  found  the  sweet 
flower  of  the  mountains,  plucked  it  in  wantonness, 
rifled  it  of  its  fragrance,  and  cast  it  away  to  perish 
with  noxious  weeds.     She  believed  him  true,  but 
found  him  false.     So  long  had  she  resisted  his   soli- 
citations, that  he  consorted  with  others,  and  when 
he   vanquished,   he  contaminated  his  prey;     She 


156 

Was  far  from  friends,  without  money,  in  a  strange 
city,  under  the  protection  of  one  whom  she  crimi- 
nally loved,  and  exposed  at  the  same  time  to  the 
fear  of  his  declining  the  desired  union,  and  to  the 
horrors  of  an  accusing  conscience.  In  sickness  she 
was  deserted,  and,  when  scarcely  able  to  move, 
sought  a  retreat  in  the  Hospital. 

She  wept  abundantly,  to-day,  and  assured  me  of 
her  serious  intention  of  returning  to  her  mother, 
and  of  departing  from  iniquity.  Vigorous  exertions 
to  snatch  her  from  perdition,  shall  be  made  if  I 
live ;  and  the  result  must  be  left  to  God.  Success 
would  be  grateful ;  but  to  fail  in  the  attempt  will  be 
honourable.     May  the  Lord  give  her  repentance. 

While  I  was  preaching  in  the  Almshouse  this 
evening,  four  dying  persons  surrounded  me,  whose 
bodies  were  in  such  a  putrescent  state,  that  I  loath- 
ed my  necessary  breath.  Although  the  nurse  burn- 
ed, occasionally,  some  linen,  and  fumigated  the  room 
with  acetous  evaporation,  yet  the  effluvia,  had  I  not 
been  provided  with  some  aromatics,  would  have 
caused  vomition.  In  another  room  I  visited  a  dying 
woman,  who  was  perfectly  rational*  but  speechless. 
After  a  short  discourse  was  directed  to  her,  she  put 
out  her  hand  towards  me,  and  then  lifted  it  to  heaven* 
I  did  not  understand  her  request*  She  looked  upon 
me,  in  the  language  of  earnest  supplication,  beckon- 
ed to  me  to  bow  my  head,  and  whispered,  "  pray* 
pray  for  me."  Her  request  being  complied  with, 
she  took  my  hand  again,  gave  it  a  gentle  pressure, 
turned  to  hoaven  the  aspect  of  gratitude*  and  clos- 
ed her  eyes  on  all  messengers  of  the  gospel  for  ever, 
and  ever 


157 


August  15th, 


TWO  Irishmen  are  now  in  the  Hospital,  who  ex- 
cite the  mingled  emotion  of  pleasure  and  commise- 
ration. One  has  lately  arrived  in  this  city,  and 
Would  have  gone  immediately  to  his  relatives,  who 
preceded  him  to  the  western  part  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  now  expect  him  to  follow,  hut  was  arrested  by 
the  dysentery,  which  has  left  him  in  a  very  low 
condition.  Beside  his  bed  I  took  my  seat,  and  he 
turned  his  blue  eyes  on  me  like  a  brother.  A  smile 
of  complacency  was  lighted  up  in  his  countenance, 
when  I  began  to  speak  of  Jesus  Christ, 

"  Should  it  please  God,"  he  said,  "  to  take  me 
up  once  more,  I  should  be  grfltiefid" 

"  But  if  he  allows  you  to  wither  here,  what  then  ? 
Does  he  any  injustice  V9 

"  No,  I  could  not  complain,  for  he  deals  kindly 
TVilh  me."  This  appeared  to  be  the  undisguised 
sentiment  of  his  soul.  He  firmly,  and  I  think 
with  personal  application,  with  appropriating  faith, 
asserts  the  authenticity  of  the  scriptures,  and  the  di- 
vinity of  Christ.  Death  he  apprehends  must  be 
the  result  of  his  present  sickness;  but  still  assures 
me,  that  his  inability  to  read  the  bible,  from  optical 
weakness,  is  his  greatest  present  trial. 

This  young  man  is  fairer  and  more  gentle  than 

any  of  his  countrymen,  whom  I  have  seen.     If    he 

sons  of  Hibernia  were  generally  to  resemble  bim, 

and  I  were  a  native  of  that  country,  in  the  posses- 

14 


158 

sion  of  civil  ancf  religious  liberty,  I  would  tune  my 
lyre  with  every  setting  sun,  and  strike  the  bold 
numbers  of  "  Ireland  for  ever." 

The  other  was  cast  in  a  rougher  mould,  and 
made  of  honest,  but  a  sterner  stuff."  Until  lately 
he  has  been  on  board  of  an  English  ship  of  war,  of 
one  hundred  and  ten  guns.  In  childhood  he  was 
taught  to  read  the  word  of  God,  and  instructed  in 
the  principles  of  the  protestant  religion.  When  he 
left  home,  the  sailor's  wardrobe,  a  silken  handker- 
chief, contained  the  best  of  books ;  which  proved  a 
sort  of  silent  companion  in  most  of  his  voyages. 
For  years  he  kept  it,  as  one  would  medicine,  to  be 
used  in  sickness,  when  he  could  not  possibly  avoid 
it.  The  sight  of  it  was  a  reproof  to  him ;  he  some- 
times read  it  by  way  of  compensation  for  past  ne- 
glect; and  eventually  it  proved  powerful.  For  a 
few  of  the  last  years  of  his  life  it  has  been  the  in- 
strument of  his  consolation.  It  has  taught  him 
that  he  is  a  sinner ;  that  God  has  provided  salva- 
tion for  rebels,  and  that  there  is  neither  peace  nor 
safety  but  under  the  divine  protection. 

"  The  goodness  of  God  in  preserving  me,"  said 
this  man,  "  is  wonderful*  I  have  often  stood  where 
one  man  has  been  cut  down  on  my  right  hand,  and 
another  on  my  left.  I  thought,  says  I,  if  God 
pleases  to  preserve  me  here,  he  can  do  it ;  and  he 
has  done  it :  for  why  am  I  alive  ?  Once,  Sir,  it 
was  hot  work !  in  an  action,  thirteen  men  of  us 
were  at  a  gun,  and  in  the  hottest  of  the  business,  I 
thought  he  could  preserve  me  there ;  and  so  he  did. 


159 

for  every  man  of  us  thirteen  was  killed,  but  one  mau 
and  myself." 

Some  antipathy  this  sailor  has,  but  such  as  is  ve- 
ry reasonable,  against  those  persons  who,  for  office, 
make  a  profession  of  religion,  and  partake  of  the 
Lord's  supper.  He  could  not  respect  a  petty  ofiL 
cer  of  the  marines,  who  had  a  dispute  with  a  private 
man,  on  the  subject  of  their  respective  claims  to  the 
Christian  character.  The  little  man,  with  a  carving 
knife  dangling  at  his  hip,  terminated  the  debate  by 
saying,  with  an  oath,  "  well,  well,  I  am  the  best 
Christian,  for  I've  come  up  to  the  holy-table,  and 
you  have  not."  The  vanquished  tar  indeed,  had 
taken  many  oaths,  but  never  the  oath  of  a  baptized 
midshipman,  whose  profane  lips  are  imbued  with  sa- 
cramental wine.  The  chaplain  of  the  ship  was 
equally  contemptible,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Irish- 
man, because,  to  use  his  own  words,  "  he  did  not 
preach  about  spiritual  thing3,  and  after  sermon, 
would  spend  the  sabbath  in  playing  cards,  in  fishing, 
or,  if  near  the  shore,  in  hunting,  with  the  other  offi- 
cers. Once,  Sir,  for  a  sermon,  he  took  out  a  piece  of 
paper,  and  went  to  reading,  that  we  ought  to  be 
thankful  we  had  such  good  officers,  such  a  good 
King,  and  such  a  good  service  ;  and  that  the  yoke 
put  on  us  was  not  like  the  yoke  Bonaparte  has  put 
on  the  neck  of  Holland.  Upon  this  all  the  sailors 
arose  and  capsized  their  seats,  saying,  if  he  had 
nothing  to  preach  to  them  about  what  they  needed 
to  know,  they  should  not  hear  him." 

"  Were  you  not  punished,"  I  asked,  "  for  this 
contemptuous  treatment?" 


160 

"  No,  Sir ;  for  the  officers  knew  that  the  chap- 
lair:  was  a  worthless  fellow;  and  six  hundred  men 
were  quite  too  many  for  them  to  punish  at  once." 

This  man  is  of  middle-age,  and  will  probably 
fight  his  last  battle,  with  death,  in  the  Hospital. 
He  meets  not  the  king  of  terrors  in  streams  of  fire, 
in  sounds  of  thunder,  and  storms  of  chain-shot ;  but 
in  the  form  of  noxious  vapour,  which  unseen,  per- 
vades the  vitals  and  mingles  deadly  ,miasma  with  the 
purple  streams  of  life.  Ojrc  might  as  well  plunge  a 
dag  er  into  the  bosom  of  a  ghost,  as  contend  with 
this  enemy. 

His  greatest  present  sorrow  arises,  if  I  may  be- 
lieve him,  from  the  remembrance  of  the  profanity  of 
his  youth,  and  the  sins  <  X  his  riper  years. 

The   sorrows  of    a   mother,   on   her  death-bed, 

claim  peculiar  respect.     Mrs.  M S said, 

"  dear  minister,  what  will  become  of  my  fatherless 
children,  when  they  are  orphans  ?"  This  woman  is 
a  member  of  Trinity  Church,  has  had  all  her  chil- 
dren baptized  there,  and  with  many  tears  expresses 
her  maternal  apprehension,  that  should  she  die,  they 
would  not  "  be  brought  up  to  church,  and  taught 
religion."  With  gratitude  she  acknowledges  the 
kind  attentions  of  Mrs.  J—  and  S —  R — ,  who 
have  furnished  her  with  work,  and  assisted  her  to 
support  four  children,  ever  since  she  has  been  de- 
serted by  an  intemperate  husband. 

She  united  with  me  in  prayer,  in  a  tearful  and 
very  devout  manner  ;  yea,  when  I  left  the  room,  her 
hands  and  eyes  were  still  directed  to  heaven  in  hum* 
ble  supplication. 


161 


August  nth. 

•'  The  downcast  eye,  the  tear  that  flows  amain, 
•*  As  if  to  ask  her  innocence  again  ; 
"  The  cheek  that  wears  the  beauteous  robe  of  shame, 
"  How  loath  they  leave  a  gentle  breast  to  blame  !" 

Langhorne. 

THE  man  who  feels  no  compassion  for  a  deluded 
female,  who  can  blush,  and  weep  over  her  fall ;  the 
being,  who  does  not  hate  the  conduct  of  bewitching 
man,  when  it  terminates  in  the  ruin  of  domestic 
peace,  and  the  loss  of  that  which  makes  life  desira- 
ble to  the  infatuated  individual,  has  more  than  a 
common  share  of  original  depravity.  By  the  offence 
of  our  progenitor,  all  men  are  deprived  of  the  origin- 
al righteousness  which  he  possessed,  and  what  they 
inherit  is  corruption ;  but  some  have  more  damning 
ingredients  put  into  their  composition  than  others. 
Some  are  born  tigers,  and  some  lions,  and  some 
foxes,  and  some  like  the  timid  deer,  or  the  "  shorn 
lamb,"  to  which  God  tempers  the  storm. 

The  amiable  sort  of  men  would  be  moved  at  the 
sight  of  seventeen  females,  withering  in  one  room, 
hi  the  morning  of  life;  and  the  Christian,  would 
speak  to  them,  with  something  of  that  meekness  and 
tender  concern,  which  characterized  his  divine  Mas- 
ter. 

Caroline  was  one  of  the  number.     I  found  and 
feft  her  m  tears.     Her  mother,  her  "  poor  mother," 
was  the  theme  of  her  discourse,  and  the  remem- 
14  * 


162 

brance  of  her,  the  cause  of  tears.  For  some  months 
the  mother  has  not  heard  a  word  from  her  daughter, 
and  is  at  this  moment  ignorant  of  her  situation. 

I  proposed  to  write  to  her  mother.  She  declined, 
and  said  she  had  thought  of  writing  herself;  but 
could  not  endure  the  thought  of  letting  her  parent 
know  her  circumstances. 

"  You  hav  another  Parent,  whom  you  have  more 
deeply  offended." 

She  knew  it,  she  said,  but  confessed  that  she  was 
more  anxious  for  her  mother  than  herself.  "  Were 
it  not  for  paining  my  mother,  and  exciting  her  fears, 
I  would  write.  It  is  my  most  earnest  desire  to 
cast  myself  down  before  her.  Were  it  possible,  I 
would  go  on  foot  to  her  as  I  am,  and  confess  all  my 
»ins." 

"  In  that  manner  you  must  go  to  a  forgiving  God; 
for  he  alone  can  reform  your  heart  and  life.  Be- 
fore him  you  must  appear  in  all  your  iniquities." 

Another  scene  I  have  witnessed  to-day,  which  is 
worthy  of  record  on  the  annals  of  the  poor.  WeH 
did  Agur  pray,  "  give  me  not  poverty,  lest  I  be 
poor  and  steal,  and  take  the  name  of  my  God  in 
vain."  His  Honour  the  Mayor,  De  Witt  Clinton, 
in  the  performance  of  his  official  duty,  passed  sen- 
tence on  about  thirty  culprits,  for  their  respective 
offences  against  the  laws  of  the  country.  In  the 
company,  which  stood  at  the  bar  of  judgment,  was  a 
young  man,  of  reputable  appearance,  on  whom  lean- 
ed a  delicate  young  female,  who  was  dressed  with 
taste,  and  had  the  demeanour  of  a  lady.  The 
young  man  had  lately  come  from  Europe  to  Mas»ii-< 


163 

ehusetts,  and,  by  his  gentlemanly  address,  personal 
attractions,  professions  of  love,  or  something  else, 
which  captivated  the  affections,  gained  the  hand  of 
the  young  lady,  contrary  to  her  father's  consent. 
To  escape  the  indignation  of  an  injured  parent,  the 
European  fled  with  his  prize  to  New- York ;  and 
here,  being  in  want  of  money,  thought  to  gain  a  sup- 
ply by  stealing  a  pocket-book.  He  was  detected, 
convicted,  and  plead  necessity  in  extenuation  of  his 
crime.  On  this  miserable  pick-pocket  hangs  the 
happiness  of  a  youthful  wife,  who  married  without 
fully  knowing  the  character  of  her  partner.  In  her 
behalf  the  attorney  for  the  criminal  prayed  for  the 
mercy  of  the  court.  Every  eye  was  moved  at  her 
appearance,  every  heart  at  her  situation.  His 
Honour  warned  her  of  the  danger  of  continuing 
to  live  with  such  a  man  as  her  husband,  in  a 
state  of  vagrancy,  exhorted  her  to  return  to  her 
father,  and  remain  with  her  friends  until  her  lover 
should  give  evidence  of  an  honest,  industrious  dis- 
position, and  at  the  same  time  proffered  all  necessa- 
ry assistance  for  her  journey.  Should  this  man, 
said  the  judge,  retrieve  his  character,  he  might  then 
visit,  and  claim  his  wedded  companion.  In  conse- 
quence of  her  youth  and  unprotected  condition,  the 
criminal  was  sentenced  to  imprisonment  in  Bride- 
well for  no  more  than  thirty  days.  The  firmness 
and  justice  of  His  Honour,  for  which  he  is  deservedly 
celebrated  on  the  bench,  were  tempered  with  mer- 
cy ;  with  such  mercy  as  it  is  consistent  with  civil 
law  to  grant. 


ie4 


August  19th. 

YESTERDAY,  which  was  the  sabbath,  I  perform- 
ed my  stated  services,  and  to-day  have  visited  eight 
wards  in  the  Hospital.  In  one  I  found  a  Spaniard, 
who  a  few  hours  before  had  fallen  from  mast-head 
upon  the  hatches,  and  mangled  his  crown  in  a  shock- 
ing manner.  He  died  while  I  was  there ;  and  such 
was  the  vehement  circulation  in  his  system,  that  his 
pulse  continued  to  beat  for  nearly  half  an  hour  after 
all  apparent  respiration  had  ceased. 

In  full  view  of  this  dying  man,  I  conversed  with 
J —  R — ,  the  old  sailor,  who  has  found  his  way  back 
to  this  institution  already,  by  another  season  of 
drunkenness.  He  professed  great  gratitude  to  God, 
that  in  a  long  seafaring  life,  he  had  not  been  arrested 
in  a  similar  manner.  Never  did  I  hear  one  insist 
upon  it,  with  so  little  affectation  of  humiliation,  that 
he  was  the  chief  of  sinners.  R— -  lives  under  the 
terrors  of  the  law,  reads  his  bible  in  an  agony,  and 
gets  drunk  the  first  opportunity  which  presents  it- 
self; "  Sir,  when  I  am  here,"  said  he,  "  and  you 
preach,  or  I  read  the  bible,  I  believe  every  word, 
and  determine  well ;  but  when  I  go  out  into  company, 
if  I  will  not  swear  and  drink  as  my  messmates  do, 
I  am  nobody.  Fts  a  hard  thing  for  an  old  sailor  to 
get  to  heaven." 

"  You  must  be  contented  to  be  nothing  for 
Christ's  sake." 

"  Oh !  I  pray  God  that  he  would  break  my  hard 
heart ;  and  keep  me  from  my  sin  ;  and  I  have  loag 


165 

prayed,  but  it  will  not  break :  'tis  hard  as  rock.  I 
doVt  know  that  I  ever  prayed  aright."  This  mar) 
presents  an  awful  instance  of  mental  agony,  and  the 
power  of  vicious  habits.  "  Can  the  Ethiopian 
change  his  skin,  or  the  leopard  his  spots  ?  then  may 
ye  also  do  good  that  are  accustomed  to  do  evil  #." 

The  young  Englishman  confesses  that  he  has 
been  a  thoughtless  rake,  and  is  much  amazed  that 
God  did  not  dash  him  into  atoms ;  but  that  he  will 
acknowledge  his  injustice  to  his  wife  does  not  ap- 
pear. 

Among  the  people  of  colour,  I  found  Richard 
!Neal,  a  native  of  Delaware,  aged  twenty-eight  years, 
who  is  blasted  with  the  rheumatism.  He  lived,  in 
childhood,  in  a  family  which  paid  decent  attentioa 
to  religion,  and  in  which  he  obtained  some  specula- 
tive knowledge  of  the  way  of  salvation.  "  At  that 
time,"  he  said,  "  I  knew  something,  but  felt 
'nothing."  He  has  been  sick  two  years,  and  with 
tears  in  his  eyes  blesses  God  that  he  did  not  cut  him 
off  in  health ;  that  he  has  severely  afflicted  him, 
and  made  him  acquainted  with  Jesus  Christ.     Had 

*  Not  long  after  the  above  date,  J —  R —  begged  me  to  give 
him  a  Hymn-Book.  He  committed  many  of  them  to  memory, 
and  continued  in  the  $nrae  frame  of  mind  until  he  left  the  Hospi- 
tal. Since  that  time,  1  have  not  seen  him,  hut  a  respectable  Cap- 
tain informs  me  that  R—  keeps  the  Hymn-Book  and  Bible  always 
with  him,  reads  them  when  sober,  "  and  will  not  part  with  them 
when  drunk  for  love  nor  money."  Some  have  attempted  to  pur- 
chase  them  of  him,  but  every  application  enrages  him  <:ven  to 
profanity.  After  imprecating  misery,  he  will  read,  cry,  and  pray 
again ! 


166 

he  died  in  health,  he  thinks  that  he  should  certainly 
have  been  damned. 

"  But  how  do  you  know  now,"  I  demanded,  "  that 
you  shall  be  saved  ?" 

"  By  the  glorious  approbation  of  God's  love, 
which  he  has  put  into  my  heart.  He  makes  me  feel 
that  he  is  the  forgiving  God.  I  know  that  I  am  a 
vile  sinner,  but  God  would  never  lutve  done  this  for 
me,  had  not  Christ  died  for  me.  I  can  truly,  Sir, 
declare,  that  I  have  had  more  luippiness  since  I  have 
been  sick,  than  I  ever  had  in  my  whole  life  before" 

a  Were  you  now  to  appear  before  God,  what  do 
you  think  would  be  your  first  business  T" 

"  /  would  bless  and  praise  his  holy  name  for  his 
miration  ?" 

"  What  would  you  do  next  ?" 

"  /  would  pray  God  to  keep  me  from  sin,  for  ever, 
and  ever" 

Christian  reader,  such  was  the  conversation  of  a 
poor  black  man.  Does  not  he  exhibit  the  power 
of  grace  ?  Has  he  not  a  holy  hatred  of  sin  ?  God 
has  taught  him  sounder  practical  divinity  than  is 
to  be  found  in  many  ponderous  volumes  of  Chris- 
tian Doctors.  Should  not  this  man's  proficience  in 
the  divine  life  reprove  the  sluggish  believer  ? 

Would  to  God  that  multitudes  were  like  poor 
Richard,  with  the  exception  of  his  rheumatism  ! 


J67 


August  20th. 

SIX  wards  #  in  the  Almshouse  have  heen  visited 
to-day,  and  it  was  found  that  one  or  two  persons  had 
died  in  each  of  them,  during  the  past  week.  With 
some  of  the  dying  I  prayed,  and  with  some  convers- 
ed. One  man,  who  has  been  confined  with  a  fractur- 
ed limb  six  weeks,  has  in  that  time  read  Owen  on 
the  CXXX  Psalm>  and  committed  to  memory 
twenty-six  hymns. 


August  24itu 
CAROLINE  appears  to  be  more  concerned  for 
herself  than  she  did  formerly,  when  she  thought  more 
of  dishonouring  her  mother,  than  of  displeasing  the 
dreadful  God.  She  says,  that  she  prays,  almost 
constantly,  that  God  would  forgive  her  sins.  If  this 
person  acts  the  part  of  a  hypocrite*  she  must  be  a 
Consummate  mistress  of  her  art.  I  know  that  the 
eyes  may  be  wiped*  when  they  are  dry,  and  that 
the  man  whose  heart  laughs  at  the  imposition,  may 
shed  tears  like  the  crocodile:  but  will  the  hypo- 
crite always  weep?  Will  the  deceiver  wet  his 
nightly  Couch,  and  his  morsel  of  bread  with  tears  ? 
For  one*  I  confess,  that  although  I  rarely  weep,  yet 
I  think  favourably  of  the  person,  whose  eye,  like  that 

*  fly  examining  the  remaining  manuscript  of  the  Journal,  it 
appears,  that  the  stated  preacher  has  visited  not  less  than  ten 
■wards  in  the  two  institutions  in  every  week,  besides  preaching,  on 
an  average,  five  discourses.  In  future,  the  reader  will  peruse  an 
abridgment*  instead  of  the  manuscript  in  full, 


168 

©f  Job,  "  poureth  out  tears  unto  God."  "  She 
weepeth  sore  in  the  night,  and  her  tears  are  on  her 
cheeks  ;  among  all  her  lovers  she  hath  none  to  com- 
fort her:  all  her  friends  have  dealt  treacherously 
with  her." 

Even  some  of  her  companions,  who  rarely  give 
each  other  much  credit  for  sincerity,  weep  with  her. 
One  of  them  listened,  while  I  spake  to  Caroline,  who 
never  discovered  any  feeling  before,  and  the  oppor- 
tunity was  improved  of  pressing  divine  truth  home 
upon  her  mind. 

Almost  every  day,  I  exclaim,  "  Oh !  for  a  Mag- 
dalen Hospital!"  An  institution  of  this  name  was 
opened  in  London,  August  10th,  1753,  and  previous- 
ly to  January  3rd,  1811,  admitted  four  thousand 
one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  females.  Of  this 
number,  80  remained  in  the  institution;  103  were 
removed  because  they  were  lunatic,  subject  to  fits, 
or  afflicted  with  incurable  disorders  ;  75  died  ;  612 
were  discharged  at  their  own  request ;  526  were 
discharged  for  improper  behaviour  ;  and  2732  had 
been  reconciled  to  friends,  placed  in  service,  or  pro- 
vided with  reputable  occupations.  The  Report  for 
April  24th,  1311,  states  that,  "of  the  number  re- 
conciled to  friends,  or  placed  in  service,  some,  un- 
doubtedly, have  relapsed  into  their  former  errors ; 
but  many  who  left  the  house  at  their  own  request, 
have  since  behaved  well ;  and  several  of  those  dis- 
charged for  improper  behaviour  in  the  house  have* 
to  the  certain  knowledge  of  the  committee,  never 
returned  to  evil  courses.  In  the  year  1791,  g;reat 
pains  were  taken  to  trace  out  the  situation  of  all 


169 

those  women,  who  left  the  house  during  four  years, 
from  May  1786  to  May  1790;  and  the  result  of 
that  inquiry,  which  was  made  with  the  utmost  ac- 
curacy, shows,  that  during  that  period,  about  two- 
thirds  of  the  whole  number  of  women  admitted 
were  permanently  reclaimed"  Of  246  discharged 
in  four  years,  157  were  then  behaving  well,  74  be- 
having ill,  4  insane  in  confinement ;  and  the  situation 
of  10  was  unknown.  "  The  women,  when  discharg- 
ed from  the  house,  are,  for  the  most  part,  under 
twenty  years  of  age;  and  it  is  an  invariable 
rule  not  to  dismiss  any  woman,  (unless  at  her  own 
desire  or  for  misconduct,)  without  some  means  be- 
ing provided,  by  which  she  may  obtain  a  livelihood 
in  an  honest  manner." 

A  chapel  is  provided  for  the  persons  in  this  Hos- 
pital, in  which  the  founders,  and  friends  of  the  cha- 
rity have  often  heard  the  most  grateful  music  from 
the  choir  of  protected  females.  One  of  their 
hymns  is  peculiarly  appropriate  and  beautiful. 

I  shall  transcribe  it,  with  the  hope  that  some  who 
read  it,  may  hear  it  sung  in  a  similar  Hospital  m 
America. 

"  Father  of  mercies,  hear  our  pray'rs 

For  those  who  do  us  good  ; 
Whose  love  for  Us  a  place  prepares, 

And  kindly  gives  us  food. 

Each  hand  and  heart,  that  lends  us  aid. 

Thou  didst  inspire  and  guide  ; 
Nor  is  their  bounty  unrepaid, 

Who  for  the  poor  provide* 
IS 


170 

Thou  still  shalt  be  our  grateful  theme, 
Thy  praise  we'll  ever  sing  ; 

Our  friends,  the  kind  refreshing  stream, 
But  thou,  th'  unfailing  spring. 

For  those  whose  goodness  founded  this, 

A  better  house  prepare  ; 
Receive  them  to  thy  heav'nly  bliss  ; 

And  may  we  meet  them  there  ! 

May  all  the  pleasing  pains  they  share 
Be  crown' d  with  wish'd  success ; 

The  present  age  applaud  their  care, 
And  future  ages  bless  ! 

So  shall  the  helpless,  who  remain 

Expos' d  as  we  before, 
Increasing  still  our  humble  strain, 

With  louder  songs  adore.'* 


August  27th. 

A  SERVANT  of  an  excellent  family  is  now  sick 
in  the  Hospital.  Servants  of  colour  can  be  more 
faithfully  attended  in  this  house,  than  in  almost  any 
private  dwelling;  and  when  their  masters  support 
them,  it  should  not  be  considered  unkind  to  trans- 
mit them  to  the  care  of  ever-watchful  nurses  and 
physicians. 

To  this  man  the  preacher  said,  ff  how  great  was 
the  condescension  of  Christ  in  coming  down  from 
heaven  to  save  sinners !" 


171 

The  patient  rolled  over  in  bed,  rubbed  the  large 
plaister  on  his  breast  in  extreme  agony,  and  lifting 
his  hands  and  eyes  to  heaven,  said,  "  O  God,  for- 
give !  Yes,  he  is  a  dear,  dear,  dear  Jesus."  He 
could  not  speak  louder  than  a  whisper,  but  perhaps 
Christ  was  never  called  precious  in  a  more  affecting 
manner. 

To  be  a  servant  in  a  religious  family  is  an  ines- 
timable blessing.  This  person  was  taught  the  way 
of  life  through  the  example  and  counsel  particular- 
ly of  his  mistress. 

Mr.  T.  S.  C — ,  has  lately  begun  to  read  the  bi- 
ble in  one  of  the  wards  of  black  people,  and  it  is 
said  that  his  hearers  are  very  attentive  to  the  aged 
lay-preacher.  Caroline  looks  miserably.  She  has 
seasons  of  weeping,  which  not  unfrequently  last  all 
day  and  all  night.  Every  person  in  the  house  seems 
to  feel  deep  compassion  for  her. 


August  29th, 

A  DYING  man  requested  that  some  minister  might 
be  invited  to  pray  with  him.  When  the  Orderly- 
man,  who  is  very  attentive  to  all  the  sick  in  such 
cases,  asked  whom  he  should  call ;  the  patient  repli- 
ed, "  I  have  always  belonged  to  the  Episcopal 
church,  but  I  do  not  care  who  comes,  or  what  is  his 
denomination,  if  he  is  a  good  man  and  can  pray." 
He  made  an  attempt  to  speak  to  the  writer ;  but  af- 
ter many  struggles  whispered,  "  Oh !  I  lament  that 
I  cannot  talk  with  you." 

The  confessions  of  sin,  contained  in  the  excellent 
form  of  prayer  to  which  he  had  been  accustomed 


172 

were  repeated,  explained,  and  enforced.  Then  the 
doctrine  of  pardon,  which  is  set  forth  in  the  same 
liturgy,  was  exhibited.  After  a  short  pause,  he 
whispered,  saying,  "  when  the  wicked  man  turneth 
away  from  his  wickedness  that  he  hath  committed, 
and  doeth  that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  he  shall 
save  his  soul  alive.  I  have  been  a  very  great  sinner, 
but  I  have  been  several  years  reformed."  There 
was  no  evidence  to  disprove  this  testimony,  and 
charity  hopeth  all  things.  It  was  intimated,  how- 
ever, that  the  sinner  always  needs  pardon ;  and  that, 
when  truly  reformed,  his  only  foundation  of  hope  is 
the  righteousness  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  After 
uniting  in  prayer  with  the  writer,  the  dying  man  re- 
quested another  visit. 

Another  man  was  the  object  of  peculiar  attention, 
because  he  is  nigh  unto  death,  and  perhaps  equally 
near  to  hell ;  who  is  so  disgusted  with  this  state  of 
suffering  that  he  wishes  to  die,  and  thinks  this  resig- 
nation. He  is  confident  of  perfect  preparation  to 
go  to  his  Father ;  and  will  confess  that  he  is  a  sinner, 
but  discards  the  Saviour.  Such  hope  is  without 
foundation ;  such  resignation,  or  rather,  dissatisfac- 
tion with  divine  providence,  is  impiety ;  and  all  such 
religion  worse  than  vain. 

Mrs.  M S ,  who  is  bloated  with   the 

dropsy,  discovered  so  much  concern  for  her  young- 
est son,  that  a  young  man  went  in  search  of  him,  to 
procure  him  a  lodging  in  the  Almshouse.  The  lad 
was  found  with  a  family,  which  resides  in  a  cellar, 
and  is  supported  by  selling  vegetables  and  making 
coarse  shoes.     The  shoemaker  had  protected  the 


173 

child  for  some  weeks,  and  fed  him  gratis  ;  but  said 
that  he  could  not  keep  him  long,  because  he  was  too 
small  to  set  upon  the  bench  of  his  profession. 
"  Well  then,  my  little  fellow/ '  said  the  young  gen- 
tleman, taking  the  boy  by  the  hand,  "  I  will  get  you 
a  birth  in  the  Almshouse,  for  I  am  too  poor  to  keep 
you." 

The  cobbler  and  his  wife  came  to  the  door  with 
sad  countenances.  The  frugal  pair  had  potatoes  to 
sell,  and  could  make  shift  to  live  by  the  sweat  of 
the  brow.  "  I  would  gladly  keep  him,"  said  the 
man,  "  but  I  have  a  large  family,  and  he  cannot  earn 
any  thing  yet." 

He  was  about  to  be  led  away  to  a  sad  place. 
«  'Tis  a  pity"  said  the  good  woman,  "  that  such  a 
likely  child  should  go  to  the  poor-house :  let  him 
stay  here." 

It  was  concluded  that  the  boy  should  remain 
where  he  was,  until  his  mother  was  dead,  or  until  a 
more  eligible  situation  could  be  found. 

The  poor  are  frequently  more  beneficent  than 
the  rich :  and  the  person,  who  of  his  penury  gives 
all  that  he  has,  when  duty  demands  it,  shall  be  more 
honourable  than  those  who  give  but  a  pittance  from 
their  luxuries,  but  two  mites  from  their  abundance. 
cc  It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive." 


U  * 


174 


August  30th. 

THIS  morning  the  Episcopalian  was  not  to  be 
found  in  the  land  of  the  living.  The  man  who 
boasted  of  perfect  resignation,  said  much  more  than 
any  good  man  would  desire  to  hear.  He  took  the 
preacher  by  the  hand  and  the  button,  to  make  him 
listen  to  deistical  whisperings.  Although  he  was  so 
far  gone  in  the  consumption  that  he  could  not  utter 
a  loud  word,  yet  he  said,  "  I  thank  God  that  I  am 
willing  to  die,  because  I  am  prepared ;  and  that  I 
have  from  my  cradle  despised  all  this  dispute  about 
Methodism,  Prtfsbyteriauism,  and  Episcopacy.  I 
care  for  none  of  their  systems  ;  and  thank  God  that 
all  the  preachers  in  the  world  cannot  drive  me  out 
of  my  sentiments.  If  I  frequented  the  grog-shops, 
I  did  not  myself  drink  to  excess,  nor  partake  with 
those  who  blasphemed  their  Maker.  On  the  sabbath 
I  sat  and  smoked  in  a  friendly  way  with  my  neigh- 
bours, while  others  were  running  to  this  and  that 
church,  to  show  their  new  clothes,  to  hear  a  new 
preacher,  and  to  criticise  his  discourse.  Now,  Sir, 
which  of  us  was  in  the  best  case  ?" 

"  Neither  of  you  conducted  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  please  God;  and  neither  of  you,  if  sensible 
©f  his  guilt,  could  die  with  composure." 

He  rejoined,  "01  would  not  be  in  the  case  of 
these  church-going  hypocrites  for  the  world,  for  I 
have  walked  behind  them  when  returning  from 
church,  and  have  heard  them  talk  about  the  pretty 


175 

fellows,  and  the  girls,  and  the  fine  things  they  saw 
there !  Why !  I  spent  my  time  in  a  rational 
way!" 

"  Will  you  not  allow  that  you  have  sometimes 
sinned  ?  And  how  can  you  with  the  least  sin  ap- 
pear before  a  just  God  ?  What  would  you  say  in 
justification  of  yourself,  after  you  had  been  obliged 
to  plead  guilty  ?" 

His  answer  was,  "  If  I  am  guilty,  I  would  bow 
and  be  still ;  for  I  would  not  tell  a  lie,  which  would 
certainly  be  sinful.  I  should  expect  God  to  treat  me 
as  a  school-master  does  a  boy.  The  master  flogs 
him  for  telling  a  lie,  but  assures  him,  that  it  is  for  the 
falsehood,  and  not  for  his  previous  behaviour;  for  he 
would  have  forgiven  that.  But  God  will  not  make 
me  plead  or  confess  any  thing,  for  he  knows  all  things  ; 
and  what  would  be  the  use  of  my  telling  him  that  I 
am  a  sinner?" 

When  the  name  of  Jesus  was  introduced,  he 
knit  his  brows  in  a  terrible  frown  ;  and  when  asked 
if  he  believed  in  Christ,  evaded  the  subject  by 
coughing. 

Not  like  this  Deist  is  the  negro  servant  of  P- . 

R- •  He  trembled  with  emotion  when  he  con- 
fessed himself  guilty  before  God ;  and  after  prayer 
said,  like  one  whose  soul  was  going  out  in  faith  to 
meet  the  Desire  of  nations,  "  0  he  is  a  precious  Je« 


ire 


September  2nc?, 

MANY  circumstances  conspire  to  render  Car©* 
line's  return  to  the  paths  of  virtue  probable ;  and 
particularly  the  benevolent  feelings  of  the  matron 
and  house-physician.  A  mother  could  not  do  more 
for  a  daughter,  or  iEsculapius  for  his  sister,  than  is 
done  for  this  young  woman.  The  attempt  is  now 
faithfully  making  to  restore  the  fallen.  The  atten- 
tions which  she  receives  appear  to  excite  gratitude. 
In  answer  to  some  examination  into  the  state  of  her 
soul,  she  said,  "  I  think  I  may  say  with  Joseph  con- 
cerning the  enemies  of  my  peace,  that  they  meant  U 
for  evil,  but  God  meant  it  for  good.  Had  not 
God  suffered  me  to  be  afflicted,  I  might  never  have 
known  him.  I  was  one  of  the  gayest  of  the  gay, 
and  most  inconsiderate  of  the  thoughtless.  Now  I 
feel  an  earnest  desire  to  serve  my  Maker.  I  thought 
it  the  most  unfavourable  thing  which  could  happen, 
to  be  compelled  to  come  to  this  place ;  I  thought  it 
death ;  but  it  was  ordered  kindly.  First,  I  bless 
God,  and  next,  I  am  grateful  to  man."  She  con- 
tinues to  feel  so  anxious  about  her  mother,  that  the 
writer  insisted  on  addressing  a  letter  to  her.     This 

he  had  frequently  done,  but  C was  unwilling  to 

have  her  situation  known,  until  she  could  appear  in 
person  before  her  parent. 


177 


September  2rd, 

"  3IY  sins  against  man,"  said  the  weeping  C -, 

"  I  feel  to  be  comparatively  nothing,  but  it  i« 
against  God  that  I  have  sinnecl,  and  now  that  is  the 
thing  which  troubles  me  most.  I  hope  he  will 
forgive  me ;  but  if  not,  I  would  wish  to  live  a  re- 
ligious life." 

A  letter  was  exhibited  to  her,  of  which  the  fol 
lowing  h  a 

COPY. 

"  Nerv-York,  September  3rd,  1311. 

MADAM, 

One  who  has  the  feelings  of  a  mother  will  be 
happy  to  learn,  even  from  a  stranger,  the  situation 
of  an  absent  daughter.  Caroline  was  brought  to 
this  city,  by  that  base  young  man,  who  obtained 
leave  to  take  her  on  a  visit  to  his  friends,  in  the 
character  of  his  intended  bride ;  and  here,  as  it  be- 
came a  deliberate  villain,  in  a  strange  land,  at  the 
distance  of  some  hundred  miles  from  her  friends,  at- 
tempted to  destroy  his  victim.  She  was  in  the 
power  of  one,  whom  she  loved  before  she  discover- 
ed his  treacherous  designs,  and  without  the  means  of 
escape,  when,  under  the  most  insidious  excuses,  and 
with  ail  fair  promises,  he  attempted  to  deprive  her 
of  honour,  peace,  and  every  thing  which  can  endear 
society,  or  support  one  while  passing  through  the 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death.  She  did  not  come 
fo  this  place,  and  this  situation  with  her  own  know- 


m 

ledge  or  consent;  for  how  should  she,  equally  a 
stranger  to  all  the  crooked  paths  of  the  world,  know 
that  she  was  going  to  New-York,  instead  of  P ? 

The  snare  of  the  fowler,  I  trust,  is  now  broken, 
and  the  bird  has  escaped  from  his  nets.  Your 
daughter  is  yet  alive.  He  could  not  so  harden  her 
heart  as  to  make  her  forget  you.  Her  tears,  inces- 
santly flowing,  were  troublesome  to  his  adamantine 
bosom,  for  a  continual  dropping  will  produce  some 
effect  on  the  most  obdurate  substance.  He  there- 
fore deserted  her.  Now  she  blesses  his  absence, 
and  thinks  she  will  never  willingly  see  his  face 
again.  He  left  her,  impaired  in  health,  without 
means  of  support,  without  money  to  return  to  you, 
and  with  a  broken  heart.  But  the  Lord  was  pleas- 
ed to  provide.  In  her  sickness,  her  affecting  case 
was  made  known  to  the  benevolent,  and  she  is  now 
under  the  care  of  one,  who  faithfully  acts  the  part 
of  a  mother,  in  counsel  and  care.  Who  this  per- 
son is,  that  even  weeps  with  Caroline  in  her  sorrows, 
she  may  in  due  time  inform  you.  A  short  time 
since  your  child  wept  so  incessantly,  that  we  were 
fearful  death  would  proceed  from  a  wounded  spi- 
rit. 

You  must  not  think  of  sending  for  her  at  present, 
for  her  health  will  not  allow  her  to  take  a  journey. 
She  is  not,  however,  conmied  to  her  bed,  but  is  in  a 
state  of  convalescence.  Tell  me,  would  you  gladly 
and  kindly  receive  your  child  ?  Please  to  return 
an  answer  to  the  writer,  and  she  shall  be  made  ac- 
quainted with  it. 


179 

In  the  course  of  six  or  seven  weeks,  you  maj -, 
possibly,  receive  your  daughter,  through  the  bene- 
volence of  Christian  friends,  to  the  embraces  of 
that  bosom  which  supported  her  in  infancy.  She 
wishes  now  to  go  to  you  on  foot  over  all  the  rugged 
miles.  Be  contented  then,  for  the  present,  to  know, 
that  she  is  duteous  in  affection  to  her  absent  mo- 
ther." 

After  Caroline  had  perused  the  letter,  the  writer 
demanded  if  he  should  send  it. 

"  If  you  insist  upon  it,"  was  the  reply.  All 
who  were  disposed  to  assist  her,  were  persuaded, 
that  a  kind  answer  from  her  mother  would  promote 
her  recovery. 

Q.  "  What  is  your  mother's  name  ?" 

A.  "  Martha." 

Q.  "  Where  does  she  reside  ?" 

A.  "  She   did  live   in   G II,    where   I   was 

born."  Of  course  the  writer  forwarded  the  letter 
to  Mrs.  M S 11,  the  family  name  of  Caro- 
line, and  expects  a  favourable  answer. 

September  6th. 

ONE  ward  of  the  Almshouse,  in  which  I  preach- 
ed a  few  days  ago,  has  lost  four  of  its  tenants  since 
that  time,  and  to-day,  some  of  my  feeble,  but  con- 
stant hearers,  were  found  dangerously  sick.  Some 
of  these  discovered  the  benign  influence  of  truth 
already  cherished,  while  others  needed  to  be 
taught  the  first  principles  of  the  oracles  of  God. 

Mrs.  E C r  sat  gloomy,  without  com- 
plaint ;  afflicted,  but  not  cast  away  ;  in  sorrow,  but 


180 

not  in  despair.  "  Do  come,"  she  said,  "  and  pray 
with  me  again  on  the  next  sabbath,  for  I  cannot  go 
to  hear  you.  I  have  been  long  travelling  through 
this  world,  but  I  think  I  am  almost  home.  I  confess 
myself  a  helpless  sinner,  left  to  the  mercy  of  God. 
Fve  nothing  to  plead,  but  my  own  guilt,  and  Christ's 
righteousness." 

No  sooner  had  I  darkened  the  door  of  that  room, 
which  is  the  receptacle  of  the  skeletons  of  lost  fe- 
males, than  I  heard  a  little  girl,  at  the  most  remote 
part  of  the  ward  exclaim,  in  a  tone  which  indicated 
pleasure  commingled  with  pain,  "  Oh !  there  he  is 
again !"  Passing  by  many,  whose  countenances 
were  new  to  me,  I  approached  her  whose  voice  I 
had  heard,  because  I  thought  her  face  familiar  to 
me ;  but  I  could  neither  rememher  her  name,  nor 
the  place  in  which  I  had  seen  her.  I  looked  her 
full  in  the  face  ;  and  she  could  look  upon  me  no 
more. 

"  Have  I  not  seen  you  before  ?" 

«  Yes  Sir." 

"  I  do  not  remember  where.  You  do  not  look 
like  any  person  that  I  perfectly  remember,  and  I 
rarely  forget  a  face." 

"  You  have  seen  me  in  the  Hospital,  Sir,  and 
there  I  have  heard  you  preach" 

"  Can  it  be  possible  that  you  are  the  once  beauti- 
ful girl  of  fifteen  ?     Was   it  you   who  made  many 
promises   of  reformation  1     Is  your  name  M 
D ?" 

She  wept  an  affirmative  answer* 


181 

"  How  different !  how  fallen,  from  what  you 
then  was  !  Then  you  was  neat ;  now  you  are  cover- 
ed with  filth.  Then  you  was  in  comfortable  health, 
and  we  had,  at  one  time,  much  hope  of  rescuing- 
you  from  your  perilous  situation  :  but  now  you  are 
merely  the  shadow  of  yourself.  You  are  so  ema- 
ciated that  I  did  not  know  you.  Do  you  remember 
my  warnings  ?"  "  O  yes,  Sir,"  she  sobbed  out, 
"  with  shame  1  remember." 

"  And  in  spite  of  all  remonstrances  you  have 
pursued  your  old  course,  only  to  find  renewed  expe- 
rience, of  what  you  well  knew  before,  that  the  way 
of  transgressors  is  hard  ;  for  now  your  flesh  and 
health,  which  might  have  been  preserved,  seem  to 
be  entirely  gone.  Do  not  think  that  I  delight  to 
tfeproach  you.  I  pity  you,  for  you  are  not  seven, 
teen  years  of  age  ;  you  are  motherless,  and  I  would 
still  be  the  instrument  of  saving  you." 

She  could  only  ansWer  by  the  faint  hue  which 
fluttered  over  her  wan  cheek,  and  sunk  again  upon 
her  withered  heart,  that  could  ill  afford  to  part 
with  any  of  its  vital  fluid,  even  for  the  blush  of 
shame  *i 

In  a  room  contmiou*  to  this,  were  many  persons 
of  the  same  moral  character,  who  requested  prayers. 
Some  faces  were  white  with  the  bleaching  of  death- 
blasts  ;  some  were  scarlet,  in  consequence  of  a  free 
use  of  ardent  spirits ;  some  wTere  covered  with 
sores;  scire  had  lost  the  use  of  their  eyes,  and 
some  had  met  with  that  too  common  calamity,  the 
loss  of  the  nose.     Would  to  God,  that  the  inconB;- 

*  See  pages  st.  59^aticl  65. 
16 


18'2 

derate  would  reflect,  for  one  moment,  that  libidinous 
indulgence  is  rottenness  to  the  bones  !  I  have  seen 
a  case,  in  which  I  verily  believe,  that  my  hand  could 
have  wrung  the  limbs  asunder ;  and  in  another  case, 
the  bones  of  the  head  were  so  affected,  that,  at  the 
moment  of  death,  the  skull  of  a  full  grown  man 
burst  asunder,  and  his  brains  gushed  out.  In  such 
horrid  descriptions  I  have  no  delight;  but  let  the 
youth,  who  tampers  with  temptation,  beware  of  tak- 
ing the  leap  into  that  abyss  whence  few  return. 

After  I  had  conversed  with  M B ,  who 

affords  renewed  hope  that  she  is  a  daughter  of  Sarah 
by  faith,  a  young  woman  of  full,  broad  face,  blue 
eyes,  and  Scotch  dialect,  wished  to  speak  to  me, 
Of  this  person  Burns  might  have  sung,  in  his  tender 
est  strains,  to  the  "  mountain  daisy ;" 

"  Such  is  the  fate  of  artless  maid, 
Sweet  flow'ret  of  the  rural  shade  ! 
By  love's  simplicity  betray'd, 

In  guileless  trust, 
Till  she,  like  thee,  all  spoil'd,  is  laid 

Low  i'  the  dust.'* 

When  the  writer  approached,  she  discovered 
great  agitation,  and  it  was  long  before  she  could  say, 
"  Oh !  Sir,  I  have  a  hard,  hard  heart :  it  will  not 
break  :  it  will  not  burst." 

"  God  can  break  the  hard  heart,  and  make  it 
soft ;  he  can  wash  the  foulest,  and  make  it  clean.' ' 

"  Oh  !  but  I  fear  he  rvill  not.  I  know  he  can, 
but  I  have  been  so  vile,  that  her  will  not.  He  will 
leave  me  to  perish  in  my  sins.  My  heart  will  not 
submit ;  I  cannot  bear  to  die  !" 


183 

u  Does  the  hope  of  worldly  pleasure  make  you 
wish  to  continue  on  the  earth  1" 

"  Oh,  no  !  no  !  hut  since  I  have  devoted  the  morn- 
ing  of  my  existence  to  sin,  I  want  to  live,  that  I  may 
lead  a  different  life,  and  go  again  to  that  Church 
which  I  have  dishonoured." 

"  I  presume  that  you  are  of  Scotch-Irish  ex- 
traction  ?" 

"  Yes,  Sir,  and  I  have  more  to  answer  for  than 
those  who  surround  me,  because  I  have  been  well 
instructed.     I  was  accustomed  to  attend  Dr.  Mc 

L 's  church  ;  I  was  taught  the  way  of  life,  but 

now  my  heart  will  not  submit.  I  cannot  tell  you 
how  vile  I  am." 

"  That  is  very  true  ;  for  who  can  understand 
his  errors  ?  Who  but  God  can  tell  how  vile  any 
one  is  ?" 

"  Oh  !  I  am  a  thousand  times  worse  than  I  can 
think.  I  cannot  tell  you  how  I  feel.  My  heart 
rejects,  and  buffets,  and  hates  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ; 
but  O,  I  wish  that  he  would  break  it." 

Such  anguish  of  spirit  I  never  witnessed  before, 
nor  is  it  easy  to  conceive  of  stronger  convictions  of 
the  obduracy  of  the  human  heart  than  she  manifest- 
ed. "  /  am  nothing  but  pollution  from  the  be- 
ginning, from  my  original"  was  the  burden  of 
her  complaint.  It  was  admitted  that  all  which  she 
said  of  her  own  iniquity  was  true,  while  she  was  re- 
minded, that  those  who  doubt  the  divine  disposition 
and  ability  to  save,  account  God  a  liar.  Mercy 
was  renewedly  proffered,  but  she  would  not  be  com- 
forted.    The  knowledge  which  this  person,  A 

T ,  possesses,  in  religious  matters,  is  truly  sur- 


184 

prising.  She  seems  to  have  been  a  systematic 
theologist  from  her  childhood.  The  confessions  of 
sin,  which  are  frequently  made,  are  various.  Once 
a  woman/ with  all  the  pride  of  humility  reigning  in 
her  heart,  came  to  her  clergyman,  and  said,  "  Sir,  I 
am  a -vile  sinner,  1  feel  that  I  am  one  of  the  great- 
est hypocrites  in  the  world."  With  a  countenance 
almost  as  much  disfigured  as  her  own,  the  minister 
replied,  "  so  you  are,  good  woman  f  whereupon  she 
turned  away,  saying  in  a  tone  of  exasperation,  "  you 

He,  I  aVt !"     The  confessions  of  A T - 

are  not  of  this  description. 

The  young  man  who  disowns  his  wife  has  so  far 
recovered  as  to  have  been  carried  from  the  Hospi- 
tal to  a  boarding-house.  Those  who  were  fellow- 
patients  with  him  inform  me,  that  his  injured  wife 
called  to  see  him  before  his  departure,  but  he  re- 
warded her  kindness  with  contempt,  and  said  that  of 
all  women  she  was  most  odious  to  him.  Sinners, 
who  have  neither  the  conscience  nor  honour  to  repair 
an  injury,  commonly  hate  those  most,  whom  they 
have  most  abused.  "  A  lying  tongue  hateth  those 
that  are  afflicted  by  it."     Prov.  26.  28. 

The  deist,  whose  case  was  stated  on  the  30th  of 
August  last,  is  probably  sealed  unto  perdition.  He 
lold  some  young  friends,  who  paid  him  a  visit,  that 
when  he  was  dead,  he  should  go  to  hell,  and  would 
stand  at  the  door,  to  call  them  in,  when  they  came 
along  that  way,  that  he  might  have  the  pleasure  of 
raking  open  the  coals  of  the  bottomless  pit,  to  warm 
them.  This  is  only  a  specimen  of  the  impiety  of 
this  dying  man. 


September  12th. 

"  I  HAD  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in  the  house  of 
my  God  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickedness." 
This  is,  undoubtedly,  the  sentiment  of  every  pious 
heart.     Nevertheless,  a  door-keeper  of  a  church  of 
God  is  compelled,  by  poverty,  to  take  up  his  resi- 
dence in  the  Hospital.     "  You  will  please  to  pray 
with  us,  before  you  go,"  said  a  tall  man  of  venerable 
appearance,  "  for  I  am  glad  to  meet   you    here." 
His  manner  was  winning,  and  his  long  hair,  neatly 
combed,  was  all  white  with  winter.     Well  do  I  re- 
member with  what  alacrity  he  unfolded  the  doors  of 
a  church  for  me,  and  made  all  necessary  preparation 
for  public  worship.     I  knew  him  to  be  a  Christian, 
and  wondered  at  finding  him  in  an  institution  of  pub- 
lic charity.     The  truth  was  found  to  be,  that  hav- 
ing become  too  feeble,  from  an  accidental    injury, 
to  perform  the  duties  of  his  office,  and  support  his 
aged  wife,  he  concluded  to  seek  for  health,  where  he 
could  enjoy  the  means  without  expense  to  himself. 
The  church  to  which  he  belongs  is  rather  embarrass- 
ed in  pecuniary  matters ;  and  the  Lord  be  praised 
that  the  Hospital  is  open  to  all  of  every  nation  ;  to 
those  who  have  money,  and  to  those  who  have  none. 
It  rarely  contains,  however,  such  a  combination  of 
dignity,   poverty,  and  piety  as  are  found   in  this 
Irishman. 

A —  T —  remains  in  the  same  state  of  body  and 
ajind.     Her  mental  anguish  is  unutterable,      31 — . 
16  * 


386 

B —  and  M —  D —  were  seated  on  a  bed  together, 
beside  their  agonizing  companion*  The  first  1  ex- 
horted to  instruct  the  second ;  for  both  have  tasted 
the  bitter  cup  of  transgression,  but  one  has  much 
more  knowledge  than  the  other.  The  reader  may 
wish  to  learn  something  of  M —  D — 's  history.  When 
health  returned  to  her  in  the  Hospital,  she  became 
insensible  to  past  wickedness  and  misery.  While 
remaining  there,  that  some  place  of  residence  might 
be  found  for  her,  or  some  occupation  procured,  she 
became  acquainted  with  a  young  man,  whose  con- 
duct and  situation  had  been  similar  to  her  own.  He 
promised,  on  leaving  the  Institution,  to  become  her 
protector.  Accordingly,  when  he  was  ready  to 
depart,  she  eloped,  and  they  met,  to  reside  in  the 
suburbs.  His  protection  was  of  short  duration  ;  his 
money  was  soon  gone ;  she  returned  to  the  practice 
of  Corinth,  and  multiplied  abominations,  more  than 
her  sisters  Samaria  and  Sodom.  Extreme  sickness 
was  the  result ;  and  having  lodged  for  a  few  nights 
m  a  cellar  with  blacks,  she  was  brought  to  the  Alms- 
house. The  way  of  lewdness  is  the  shortest  way  to 
hell. 

September  13th. 
MRS.  M —  S — ,  who  was  introduced  to  the  rea- 
der's acquaintance  on  the  160th  page  of  this  work,  has 
rapidly  declined  for  several  days  past ;  and  at  length 
has  fallen  asleep.  Her  eldest  child,  a  daughter,  is 
at  service,  and  maintains  her  youngest  sister,  who 
cannot  be  more  than  three  years  of  age.  The  se- 
cond daughter  was  taken  under  the  care  of  the  ma- 


187 

Iron  of  the  Hospital,  who  has  procured  an  excellent 
situation  in  the  country,  where  the  child  will  be 
kept  from  much  of  the  evil  that  is  in  the  world. 
The  eldest  son,  is  a  young  man,  who  has  gone  to 
sea,  and  her  other  child,  is  a  lad  of  nine  years,  who 
lives  with  the  cobbler.  The  good  mother  had  a  few 
anxieties  before  death,  which  were  not  unamiable. 
She  could  not  close  her  eyes  until  some  one  bad 
promised  to  be  a  guardian  to  each  of  her  helpless, 
orphans.  In  addition  to  this,  she  obtained  a  pro- 
mise from  her  eldest  daughter,  that  her  body  should 
be  deposited  in  one  of  the  grave  yards  of  her 
church.  It  seems  no  more  than  reasonable,  that  the 
richest  church  in  America  should  give  her  poor 
saints  their  last  bed  ;  for  there  is  something  pleas- 
ing to  most  persons,  in  the  thought  of  having  their 
dust  gathered  to  the  ashes  of  their  fathers.  At  any 
rate,  if  this  be  a  weakness,  it  is  not  censurable,  and 
Rebecca  gave  her  mother  the  promise,  which  she 
punctually  fulfilled.  With  composure,  with  hope, 
the  fond  mother  went  to  rest,  where  the  wicked 
cease  from  troubling. 


September  14th. 

FOR  three  or  four  days  and  nights  Caroline  has 
wept  almost  incessantly.  Something  gives  her 
great  uneasiness,  when  any  one  speaks  of  her  mo- 
ther. If  her  grief  should  continue,  she  will  never 
meet  her  forsaken  parent. 

The  young  man,  who  promised  to  protect  an  un- 
guarded boy,  to-day  sought  his  charge,  at  the  poor 
cobbler's  cellar,  but  could  not  find  him.     Last  night 


188 

he  was  there,  but  where  he  was  when  his  guardian 
sought  him  none  could  say  ;  for  how  could  a  labour- 
ing man  watch  a  playful  child  1  He  was  sought  in 
the  streets,  but  could  not  be  found.  Night  and 
hunger  will  probably  bring  him  home ;  for  these  re- 
gulate hundreds,  who  experience  no  other  govern- 
ment. 

At  the  request  of  Mrs.  P- —  R — ,  the  writer  visit- 
ed a  poor  widow  of  the  city.  Her  husband  has  been 
dead  two  years.  She  has  six  children ;  the  eldest 
of  whom  is  fifteen  years  of  ase,  and  can  afford  con- 
siderable assistance.  About  three  months  ago,  a 
son  of  seven  years  was  taken  sick  with  the  small- 
pox. For  seven  weeks  the  widow  paid  such  atten- 
tion to  this  lad,  that  she  did  not  once,  during  that 
time,  sleep  with  her  clothes  off.  The  child  died  ; 
and  the  mother,  through  debility  and  a  severe  cold, 
was  immediately  confined  to  her  bed,  from  which 
she  may  never  arise.  When  I  entered,  the  break- 
fast-table with  its  scanty  furniture  was  standing  be- 
side her  bed,  and  the  daughter  was  preparing  some 
tea.  She  insisted  on  having  the  table  removed,  for 
the  present,  saying  that  "  to  hear  religious  conversa- 
tion and  unite  in  prayer  is  better  than  daily  food." 
The  only  chair  in  the  room  afforded  me  a  seat  be- 
side her,  while  her  daughter  stood  by  the  fire,  and 
at  my  back  was  posted  a  young  man  in  mean  attire. 

"  I  never  thought  of  religion,  Sir,,,  she  said,  "  un- 
til my  child  died.  Since  that,  many  ladies  come 
here  to  see  me,  and  talk  about  Christ ;  and  O,  it 
comforts  my  heart.  I  bless  God  that  he  is  so  good 
to  me,  in  sending  friends." 


189 

She  confessed  her  exceeding  sinfulness  in  every 
thing,  but  particularly  mourned  her  past  neglect  of 
the  sabbath  and  public  worship.  Now,  might  God 
permit,  she  "  would  gladly  crawl  on  her  hands  and 
knees  along  the  streets  to  any  church,  and  should 
think  herself  happy  if  she  coidd  get  even  to  the  near- 
est rmethodist praying  meeting" 

David  desired  in  sickness  restoration,  that  he 
might  visit  the  sanctuary ;  "  but,  good  woman,  the 
Gospel  is  brought  nigh  to  you.  It  is  proclaimed  in 
your  chamber.  Here  the  Lord  Jesus  assures  you 
that  he  is  able  and  willing  to  save,  and  that  none  who 
come  to  him  shall  be  rejected." 

"  TJiat  I  know,  Sir,  and  in  that  I  rejoice,  for  the 
word  of  God  teaches  me.  Christ  is  all  the  hope  of 
my  poor  heart.  That  young  man  (she  pointed  to 
the  one  behind  me,)  lives  near  this,  and  when  he 
comes  in  every  day,  I  get  him  to  read  two  or  three 
chapters  to  me.  O,  Vve  got  a  bible,  Sir,  Mr,  & — * 
brought  it  to  me.     It  is  a  fine  book  I" 

"  May  the  reading  do  the  young  man  good."  "  Oy 
Sir"  she  rejoined,  "  / hope  it  will  break  his  heart, 
and  then  he  will  turn  from  sin.  There's  nothing 
like  it.     It  will  break  the  heart" 

Her  anxiety  for  him  seemed  to  pierce  him  ;  for 
the  poor  young  labourer  was  solemn  and  silent. 

*  Mr.  W—  S— ,  who  gave  a  book  to  W—  R— ,  and  whose-- 
»ame  is  introduced  on  the  104th  page. 


190 


September  15th. 

MR.  ROOME,  the  present  superintendent  of  the 
State's  Prison,  in  which  I  preached  to-day,  related 
the  following  anecdote. 

Not  long  since  two  persons  were  in  this  place  of  con- 
finement, who  gave  satisfactory  evidence  that  they 
were  truly  converted  to  God.  Mc  Donald,  who  was 
committed  for  horse-stealing,  first  became  an  exempla- 
ry man,  and  lodged  in  the  room  with  one  Johnson. 
This  man  was  committed  for  forgery,  and  after  a 
long  confinement,  attempted  to  make  his  escape  by 
leaping  from  the  wall.  Previously  to  this  attempt, 
he  had  conducted  like  an  altered  man  ;  and  even  a 
Christian  might  be  induced  to  believe,  that  escape 
from  penalty,  where  it  is  possible,  after  long  infliction 
of  it,  is  no  crime.  In  the  act  of  leaping,  he  burst  an 
artery  of  his  leg,  and  mortification  followed.  Sensi- 
ble of  the  near  approach  of  death,  he  desired  to 
speak  with  his  old  room-mate.  The  keeper  brought 
Mc  D —  into  his  presence,  when  the  dying  man 
said,  with  tender  familiarity,  "  Well,  Mac,  I  am  go- 
ing to  die,  and  I  wanted  to  discharge  a  debt  of  grati- 
tude. I  owe  you  everlasting  thanks,  for  had  it  not 
been  for  your  exertions  and  example,  I  should  not 
have  known  any  thing  of  Christ.  I  could  not  die  in 
peace  without  confessing  to  you,  that  when  you  and 
I  came  to  live  in  the  same  room,  I  hated  you  because 
you  was  religious.  When  you  talked  to  me,  I  wish- 
ed that  you  would  hold  your  tongue,  and  often,  when 


191 

you  read  the  bible  or  prayed  at  night,  I  used  to  put 
my  handkerchief  over  my  head  and  stop  my  ears  ; 
but  finally,  the  more  I  strove  against  your  religion, 
the  more  it  worked  on  me.  In  short,  I  had  no 
peace  until  I  took  to  praying  too.  Now  I  thank 
God  that  I  can  die  in  comfort.  I  bless  God  for 
your  instructions,  with  my  dying  breath."  After 
this  he  spoke  in  sublime  strains  of  the  pleasures  of 
pardoned  sin,  prayed  in  a  loud  voice  with  the  keep- 
er and  Mc.  D ,  and  immediately  died.    He  was 

thirty-seven  years  of  age ;  and  not  long  after,  in  his 
forty-first  year,  followed  Mc  Donald,  whose  death 
was  tranquil,  and  even  triumphant. 

The  reader  will  be  gratified  with  some  of  this 
last  person's  writing.  With  a  few  slight  alterations 
in  a  few  words,  but  none  in  the  sense,  I  shall  pre 
sent 

A    COPV 

Of  some  poetry,  written  by  Mc  Donald*  while  in 
Prison. 


John  1.17.&  8.32.  &  14  6.PfoVo23.23.  Ye  busy  minds,  that  seek  for  trutb, 

James  5.  1 — 6.  Must  own  that  pleasure,  pelf,  or  pain, 

Luke  12.  20.  &  21.  Are  sure  rewards  in  early  youth , 

Eeclesiastes  2.  1 — 12  And  all  that  man  in  life  can  gain; 

1  Cor.  1.  21 — 30.  Colossians  2  3.  U-Iess  to  wisdom  he  should  cry, 

James  4.  8.  Should  by  the  Spirit  strive  to  move, 

Matt.  7.  7.  And  call  the  blest  Redpemer  nigh, 

Gal.  5.  6.  John  14.  J  3  8s  94.  To  grant  that  faith  which  works  by  love 

*  Mc  D  states,  that  he  was  induced   to  write  these  lines, 

by  listening  to  different  teachers,  examining  many  denominations 
of  Christians,  and  finding,  to  his  surprise  and  alarm,  th?t  many 
swerve  from  the  scriptures  of  trutb,  ''which  cdntain  the  divine 
mysteries  of  God.'' 


192 


Prov.  8.  9.  The  Bible's  precepts  all  are  plain, 

2  Cor.  4.  3.  Aid  rit,'ht,  to  them  that  knowledge  find; 

1  Cor.  2  14.  But.  nat'ral  ton  u^s  can  ne'er  explaiiij 

Horn.  12.  2.  Eph«  4.  23.  Col   3.  10.  Unless  the  Lonl  renew  the  mind. 

1  Cor.  3.  13.  B.come  a  Tool,  /'you'll  be  wise, 

James  1.  5  &  ft.  And  wisdom  seek  from  God  ^bove : 

John  16.  24.  Jer.  50.  4  &  5.  Then  ask  of  him,  he'll  not  despise, 

1  John  3.  22  &  23.  But  freely  grant  his  pardoning  love. 

III. 

5Tom.  5.1.  Ps.  110. 165.  Phil.  4.  6  &  7.  O  then,  sweet  peace,  to  conscience  dear, 

I-aiali  2ft.  3,  4.  Will  make  her  kir;d  abode  with  thee, 

1  Cor.  10.  13.  Prov.  3.  21—25.  Ami-through  this  rugged  path  w  11  steer 

Isaiah  58.  11.  Luke  I.  79.  Thy  bark  from  ev'ry  flanker  free. 

Col.  1,  2.  7.  No  doubts  shall  in  thy  br.som  rise, 

John.  8.  32  &  36.  Gal.  5.  1.  For  God  in  Christ  ha    male  thee  free, 

ilsa.  25.  7.  2  Cor.  3.  13—18.  The  vail  has  taken  fro.n  thine  eyes, 

Horn.  8.  i  &  21.  To  walk  in  gospel  liberty. 

IV. 

Matt.  5.  6.  If  any  thirst  for  righteousness, 

Luke  6.  21*  Or  hunger  fo-  th<>  bread  of  life, 

oohn  4.  10,  14.  &  6.  35.  &  7.  37, 38.  Cbiirt  fills  their  souls  with  happiness : 

Isa»  58.  4*  N'<r  shall  they  drink  Ungodly  strife. 

John  1.  12.  All,  who  believe  span  Ms  name, 

1  John  3.  1   &  2.  Ar-  justly  styl'd  the  sons  of  God  : 

Titus  2..  13  &  14.  Heb.  12.  2.  By  faith  and  hope  th"y  tru«t  in  him, 

1  Pet.  !■  19.  Who  made  atonement  with  his  blood. 

V. 

John  6.1  29;  C  rist  says  this  is  the  wo^k  of  God, 

John  3.  14—18  T' believe  on  Mm  whom  God  hath  <ent ; 

Jo'in  6.  35—53.  To  eat  his  tl^h,  and  d-m'--  his  blood. 

Isa.  33.  15  8c  16.  Rev.  2.  17.  Byfaith  you'll  see  what  bread  he  meant: 
The  w iters  are  the  '.v<  -d  o."  Ciod, 

Enh.  5.  26.  To  san  t'<;y  •»<«!  cleanse  tb    <e  1  ;  fword, 

John  1.  1.  Col.  2.  Q.  And    scripture  proves  that  Chrst's    Uie 

Rev.  19.  13.  Eph.  3.  14—20.  Which  truly  comprehends  the  whole. 


Luke  13.  24.  James  4.  3.  Heb.  11.  6  Then  let  Us  strive   and  long  endure, 

Rom.  5.  1.  Eph.  2.  13  8t  IB.  By  raitl.  to  make  our  peace  with  God, 

2  Pet   1.  10.  Our  callmg  an<i    1«  ctio1'.  sure, 

Rev.  6.  16  &  17.  Heb.  2,  3.  12  25.  A  . '  thus  escape  hi>  wrathful  rod. 

Tsa.  45.  21.  John  14.  27.  The  Lor    i"  just.  Tn  Christ  th -re's  peac°, 

Luke  2.  3—33    A<*ts  4.  i?.  And  that  salvation  which  we  praise : 

Rom.  10.  17.  Eph  3.  17.  O  may  our  faith  and  fore  increase, 

2  Cor  9.  15.  Heb.  13.  i2.  And  God  recei/e  the  song",  we  raise. 


193 

On  the  back  of  the  paper,  which  contains  the 
foregoing  performance,  the  author  has  said,  "  who- 
soever will  peruse  the  within  seventy-five  passages 
of  scripture,  with  the  same  attention  with  which  I 
have  selected  them,  will  not  fail  of  reaping  a  due 
reward  from  that  gracious  Benefactor,  whose  mercy 
endureth  to  all  generations." 

AN  ELEGY, 

By  the  same  Prisoner,  who  conceived  himself  to 
have  been  convicted  by  false-witnesses. 
You  who  can  spare  one  moment's  time, 
And  listen  to  a  true  complaint, 
Will  not  accuse  me  of  a  crime, 
Nor  think  me  void  of  just  restraint, 
When  you  consider  well  the  cause 
Of  cruelty  which  I  denounce : 
For  not  against  the  wholesome  laws 
Would  I  an  evil  word  pronounce. 

But  fate,  at  whose  decrees  we  guess, 
By  evil  and  designing  men, 
Has  cast  me  into  sore  distress, 
Like  some  wild  monster  in  a  den ; 
Opprest  with  solitude  and  thought, 
Which  cause  my  mind  full  oft  to  roam. 
And  ruminate  their  wiles  that  brought 
Me  to  this  sad,  uncourtly  home. 

Here  months,  to  me  like  days  untold, 
Pass  o'er  my  head  with  strong  regress : 
Samaritans  cannot  behold, 
But  Priests  and  Levites  daily  pase> 
17 


194 

Like  Pharaoh's  butler,  one  did  say, 
"  Alas  !  I  have  you  long  forgot, 
"  And  do  recall  my  fault  this  day  yy 
But  to  relieve  me  hasten' d  not. 

Divided  from  all  friendship  dear, 
For  wife  and  children  here  I  grieve  : 
In  solemn,  secret,  fervent  pray'r, 
I  seek  to  him  who  can  relieve ; 
Well  knowing  that  the  arm  of  man, 
Though  bound  by  oaths  in  solemn  trust, 
Will  deviate  from  virtue's  plan, 
And  leave  me  hopeless  in  the  dust. 

When  I  am  far  remov'd  from  hence, 
And  once  that  common  debt  is  paid, 
My  false  accusers  must  come  thence, 
Before  the  Judge  of  quick  and  dead. 
There  no  false  pleadings  can  be  heard, 
Nor  silver  tears  commend  a  man : 
That  God  who  only  must  be  fear'd, 
Will  work  his  just  and  upright  plan. 

Then  shall  the  wicked  turn  to  hell, 
With  all  the  blind  that  know  not  God. 
No  parasite  shall  then  excel, 
Nor  splendid  pomp  relief  afford ; 
Pure  faith  and  love  shall  ornament 
The  bearer's  head  as  with  a  crown, 
And  I  no  longer  shall  lament, 
Nor  earthly  monarch?  on  me  frown. 


193 


September  16th. 

MAN,  who  cannot  search  the  heart,  must  often  be 
influenced  in  his  conduct  by  the  outward  appear- 
ance. Judging  from  what  the  human  eye  can  dis- 
cover, there  has  been  more  reason  to  indulge  the 
hope  of  reclaiming  Caroline,  than  any  one  o  f  her  com- 
panions. She  has,  there  fore,. received  more  atten- 
tion in  the  Hospital  than  any  one  of  her  class  ever 
enjoyed  there  before.  All  persons  concerned  in  the 
immediate  care  of  the  patients  seem  to  have  conspir- 
ed for  her  restoration.  This  has  given  some  of  the 
inhabitants  of  her  ward  great  offence,  and  they  seek 
to  find  satisfaction  by  tormenting  her.  The  motives 
which  dictated  the  following  letter,  which  was  given 
to  Caroline  by  the  matron,  will  appear  from  the  pe- 
rusal. 

copr. 

«  New-York,  September  16th,  A.  D.  1811. 

CAROLINE, 

Your  situation  is  indeed  a  trying  one.  You  need 
consolation,  and  I  regret  that  the  malevolence  of 
those  unhappy  women,  with  whom  you  are  confined, 
should  render  it  necessary  for  me  to  speak  to  you  in 
particular,  less  frequently  than  I  could  wish.  Their 
©pinion  of  my  attention  is  nothing  to  me  ;  but  I  am 
unwilling  that  you  should  experience  from  them 
needless  persecution.  Would  to  God  that  they  were 
as  desirous  of  instruction  and  as  grateful  for  kindness 
as  you  appear  to  be.  You  must  patiently  bear  their 
scoffs,  for  you  have  fallen  into  their  society ;  but  if 


196 

they  call  you  a  hypocrite,  that  will  not  make  you  one. 
See  that  you  finally  prove  your  sincerity.  You 
must  expect  reproach  for  your  past  sins,  from  those 
who  know  nothing  of  penitence  ;  and  you  perceive  in 
their  unkindness,  that  the  unrenewed  heart  is  even 
opposed  to  the  merciful  Redeemer.  An  abandoned 
woman  is  neither  willing  to  enter  the  kingdom  of  hea- 
ven herself,  nor  pleased  that  others  should  be  saved. 
Let  your  wicked  room-mates  continue  to  say  that 
"  you  will  soon  elope  with  the  parson  or  doctor,"  be- 
cause we  seek  your  salvation.  Regard  them  not, 
except  it  be  to  pray  for  their  conviction  and  conver- 
sion. Were  they  disposed  to  receive  assistance,  we 
should  as  gladly  proffer  it  to  them  as  to  you.  Re- 
ceive from  us  this  assurance,  that  so  long  as  you  con- 
tinue to  maintain  the  humility,  penitence,  and  spirit 
of  new  obedience,  which  we  think  are  manifest  in  you, 
we  will  act  the  part  of  friends.  If  God  preserves 
our  lives,  you  shall  not  from  necessity  be  cast  out  to 
the  contempt  and  misery  of  the  world.  Should  you 
die  in  the  Hospital,  your  body  shall  be  interred  with 
respect ;  but  should  you  recover  and  be  rejected  by 
your  relatives,  some  occupation  shall  be  provided, 
which  will  yield  you  the  means  of  comfortable  and 
reputable  subsistence.  Be  of  good  courage ;  the  Lord 
will  provide.  To  him  you  are  indebted  for  all  those 
circumstances  which  elevate  you  above  many  of  your 
fallen  fellow-sinners.  If  you  are  truly  penitent,  it  is 
God  who  has  pierced  your  soul  with  arrows  of  con- 
viction ;  who  has  slain  you  by  the  law,  that  you  may 
live  by  the  gospel,  to  the  praise  of  Christ's  righteous- 
ness ;  and  who  has  made  the  blood  of  his  gracious 


197 

covenant  precious  to  your  soul.  Remember,  then, 
that  with  God  there  is  mercy,  that  he  may  be  feared, 
and  trusted  too. 

"  It  is  not  time,  calculating  on  the  usual  delay  of 
country  post-offices,  to  expect  a  letter  from  your  mo- 
ther ;  but  so  soon  as  I  receive  one  you  shall  know  its 
contents.  In  the  mean  time,  seek  to  compose  your 
mind  by  the  consideration  that  Jesus  died  to  save  sin- 
ners. Do  not  read  too  much,  for  your  mind  becomes 
confused,  and  you  derive  no  advantage.  Young 
persons,  when  anxious  to  know  the  way  of  life,  com- 
monly fall  into  this  error.  They  read  much,  and 
think  little.  It  is  as  much  your  duty,  at  proper  sea- 
sons, to  compose  yourself  for  sleep,  as  at  other  times 
to  pray.  Above  all  things,  receive  the  testimony 
of  God,  concerning  Jiis  Son,  that  he  sent  him  into 
the  world  to  save  the  chief  of  sinners.  Not  to  be- 
lieve this,  so  as  to  trust  in  God  for  pardon  and  ac- 
ceptance through  the  righteousness  of  Jesus  Christ, 
is  nothing  less  than  to  make  God  a  liar.  If  you  wish 
instruction  on  any  subject,  which  I  do  not  explain 
in  my  seneral  discourse  in  your  ward,  you  need  not 
fear  to  express  your  wish  to  one,  who  feels  his  own 
need  of  pardon.  May  God  bless  you ;  for  I  hope 
that  with  him  is  mercy  for  you." 

Before  the  above  letter  was  presented,  it  was  read, 
and  assented  to,  by  the  House-Physician,  whose  skill 
and  benevolence  do  honour  to  his  understanding  and 
heart #. 

*  In  this  place  the  writer  begs  leave  to  tender  his  gratitude  to 
Messrs.  Tappen  and  I.vberwick   of  the  Hospital,  and    Mr: 
Anderson  of  the  Almshouse,  not  onlv  for  their  polite  atten- 
17  * 


19* 


September  Wh. 

THROUGH  the  compassion  and  instrumentality 
of  Mrs.  B — ,  some  necessary  articles  of  dress  for 
Caroline,  were  procured  from  the  wardrobe  of  the 
Dorcas  Society. 

On  the    16th  instant,  the  son  of  Mrs   M 

S was  found  by  the  young  man  who  was  en- 
gaged to  do  the  best  he  could  for  the  child,  and  led 
to  the  Almshouse.  It  was  contemplated  that  he 
should  board  there,  and  attend  the  free-school  of 
Trinity  Church,  until  something  better  could  be 
provided  for  him.  When  the  lad's  case  was  stated 
to  the  superintendent,  and  especially  when  the  in- 
formation was  given,  that  the  father  of  the  child  was 
a  drunkard,  who  had  paid  his  children  no  attention 
for  two  years,  the  tears  fell  rapidly  from  the  eyes  of 
the  boy,  who  was  more  affected  at  his  father's  wick* 
edness  than  his  mother's  death. 

To-day  the  boy  called  on  his  guardian,  and  request- 
ed him  to  visit  Rebecca.  The  dutiful  daughter,  who 
had  per  brined  the  task  of  a  hired  servant  by  day, 
and  watched  with  her  dying  mother  by  night,  was 
found  in  the  kitchen  of  a  porter-house,  making,  or 

tions  to  him  ;  but  for  their  fidelity  to  the  sick  under  their  care. 
These  young  practitioners  in  the  healing  art  are  gentlemen  of  ex- 
cellent understanding,  amiable  manners,  and  moral  principle,  who 
promise  to  be  thf  future  ornaments  of  their  profes&ioD,  and  somt 
of  the  most  useful  members  of  society. 


199 

rather  altering  garments  for  her  sister.  Since  the 
death  of  the  mother,  Rebecca  had  been  sick  from 
unusual  fatigue.  She  was  now  better,  but  pale,  and 
the  little  girl  of  three  years  made  her  appearance, 
with  a  clean  face,  and  huag  on  her  sister's  skirt. 

"  Well,  Rebecca,  1  suppose  you  have  some  re* 
quest  to  make.  Speak  freely,  for  I  promised  your 
good  mother  to  assist  you,  so  far  as  I  am  able." 

She  hesitated,  and  blushed :  the  boy  sat  him  down 
in  the  corner  and  sobbed ;  but  she  finally  stated  that 
her  little  brother  came  home  dissatisfied  with  hit 
situation.  For  two  nights  past  he  had  been  put  into 
a  bed  which  contained  five  boys  besides  himself. 
They  considered  him  a  stranger,  and  kicked  him 
out.  The  boys  used  profane  language,  were  lousy, 
and  he  could  not  endv.r?  tie  thought  of  living  there. 
%i  You  have  done  so  much,  Sir,  that  I  dare  not  make 
any  request,"  said  Rebecca,  "  but " 

"  But  what  ?  He  shall  go  home  with  me,  for  the 
present.  What  did  the  funeral  of  your  mother  cost 
)rou?"  The  fees  for  the  ground,  the  sexton's  services, 
&c.  amounted  to  ten  dollars ;  of  which  she  had  paid 
five,  and  was  now  working  to  discharge  the  remain- 
der of  the  debt. 

"  It  is  enouih  for  you  to  provide  for  yourself  and 
little  sister."  The  young  man  paid  the  five  dollan 
which  were  due ;  as  an  Episcopal  perquisite ;  and 

the  body  of  3VI S sleeps  in  peace,  while  her 

spirit  rests  in  hope  of  a  glorious  resurrection. 

The  reader  will  undoubtedly  agree  with  the  writ 
er  in  opinion,  that  each  Christian  Church  ought  to 
bury  the  bodies  of  her  poor  members,  the  Bishop's 


200 

salary  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding ;  besides  af- 
fording support  to  the  orphan  children  which  have 
been  baptized  within  her  temples*. 

Had  the  present  Assistant  Bishop  known  their 
circumstances,  it  is  certain,  from  the  benevolence  of 
his  character,  that  he  would  have  given  assistance  to 
the  fatherless.  May  it  not  be  presumed,  that  in  fu- 
ture the  large  funds  of  the  Trinity  Church  will  af- 
ford a  grave  for  those  at  least,  who  are  in  full  commu- 
nion with  her,  and  die  in  poverty  ?  Before  she  builds 
any  more  churches  abroad,  will  she  not  make  provi- 
sion for  the  guardianship  of  all  her  helpless  children  ? 
I  am  persuaded  that  Bishop  Hob  art  and  the 
Vestry  will  enlarge  their  establishment  of  a  Charity 
School,  until  it  shall  bear  some  proportion  to  their 
funds,  and  to  the  number  of  their  baptized  children. 
Hitherto  the  provision  made  by  the  Reformed  Dutch, 
Presbyterian,  and  Methodist  churches  in  this  city, 
has  been  much  more  ample,  in  proportion  to  their 
destitute  children.  The  good  among  the  Episcopa- 
lians will  not  blush  to  take  an  example  from  their 
Presbyterian  neighbours. 


•  It  is  understood,  that  this  lad  received  assistance,  when  al- 
most naked,  and  without  shoes,  in  the  frosty  weather  of  October 
following,  from  the  president  of  the  Dorcas  Society,  Mrs.  J.  B, 
II —  and  Mrs.  P.  W  ,  who  delight  in  doing  good  to  the  poor 

of  every  denomination.     She  who  gives  a  cup  of  cold  water  to  the 
thirsty,  lrom  love  to  Jesus,  shall  in  no  wise  lose  her  reward. 


201 


September  22nd. 

IN  descending  the  stairs  of  the  Almshouse,  the  Irish 
froman  met  me,  of  whom  I  have  given  some  account 
on  the  95th.  page  of  this  journal.  She  had  in  her  hands 
two  pails  of  water,  which  her  feeble  frame  could  scarce- 
ly support;  for  she  is  still  pale,  thin,  neat,  and  humble. 
Setting  them  down,  she  said  in  a  manner  which  in* 
vited  condolence,  "  Ah,  Sir !  and  I  have  lost  my  lit- 
tle child ;  the  youngest  one." 

"  Possibly,"  said  the  writer,  "  God  may  have  tak- 
en away  your  infant  from  the  evil  to  come.  Possibly 
God  has  taken  him  to  a  better  world,  and  made  him 
glorious  in  Christ.  Had  the  child  lived,  it  might 
have  become  miserably  wicked.  That  infants  are 
saved,  we  have  presumptive  evidence,  for  Jesus 
said,  '  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven ;'  and  again, 
*  it  is  not  the  will  of  your  Father  which  is  in  hea- 
ven, that  one  of  these  little  ones  should  perish.' 
These  sentences  were  uttered  when  little  children  were 
in  Christ's  presence,  and  although  the  last  compre- 
hends all  persons  who  become,  from  conversion,  like 
little  children,  yet  there  is  reason  to  suppose  that  he  in- 
tended to  be  literally  understood.  *  The  kingdom  of 
God,'  of  which  infants  are  said  to  be  members,  must 
imply,  either  the  church  on  earth,  or  the  church  in 
heaven,  or  both.  If  they  belong  to  both,  or  to  the  church 
above,  their  salvation  is  positively  asserted :  but  if 
they  belong  to  the  church  on  earth,  it  is  probable  that 


202 

they  will  not,  when  taken  away  in  infancy,  fail  of 
eternal  life. 

"  David  comforted  himself,  when  he  said  concern- 
ing the  child  of  Bathsheba,  '  I  shall  go  to  it ;'  and 
assuredly  he  did  not  expect  to  meet  the  child  in  hell. 
Of  one  thing,  at  least,  you  may  be  certain,  that  God 
doth  not  willingly  afflict  nor  grieve  the  children  of 
men.  Remember,  that  if  God  has  taken  away  one 
child,  he  has  preserved  three." 

She  answered ;  "  indeed  he  has,  Sir,  but  they 
are  sickly." 

Soon  after  this  woman's  recovery,  I  saw  her  near 
the  battery.  The  child  which  is  now  dead  was  then 
in  her  arms,  and  the  other  three  were  standing  be- 
side her.  All  of  them  were  sickly,  in  appearance, 
like  the  plants  which  suffer  for  the  want  of  air  and 
light.  In  this  situation,  she  remained  nearly  half 
the  day,  in  expectation  of  seeing  her  husband.  He 
was  on  board  "  the  President,"  a  ship  at  anchor  in 
the  river,  and  she  had  sent  a  request  to  see  him,  by 
one  of  the  naval  officers.  It  was  her  design  to  ob- 
tain of  him  half  his  pay,  that  she  might  leave  the 
Almshouse,  and  support  her  children.  "  Could  we 
live,"  said  the  woman,  "  in  the  fresh  air,  we  should 
be  well  again."  The  husband  came  not ;  and  weak- 
ness with  hunger  drove  her  back  to  languish  with 
the  multitude. 

Before  I  commenced  the  public  worship  of  the 
evening,  an  aged  woman  said,  with  weeping,  which 
continued  during  the  whole  service,  "  the  conflicts 
of  a  poor  sinner  are  very  many  and  great  in  this  life  ; 


203 

and  especially'those  which  arise  from  olir  own  wick- 
edness." N 

Blind  Sofa,  who  has  lately  been  severely  troubled 
about  the  concerns  of  her  soul,  was  led  to  the 
preacher,  by  her  request,  after  sermon,  and  with 
out-stretched  hands  said  "  O  /  you  pe  de  man :  God 
sen  you  to  me  ;  God  pless  you,  dear  man.  He  do 
pless  you :  he  pless  you  to  de  soul  of  poor  sinmr." 
If  this  is  the  truth,  (and  when  I  think  of  the  divine 
power  and  grace  I  cannot  doubt  it,)  it  is  the  preach- 
er who  has  most  occasion  to  bless  the  Lord,  saying, 
"  not  unto  me  ;  not  unto  me,  O  Lord ;  but  to 
thy  name  and  the  atonement  of  Christ  be  all  the 
glory." 

September  24th. 

A  DUPLICATE  of  the  letter  to  Mrs.  M — - 

S 11  was  to-day  forwarded,  with  a  note  to  the 

post-master  in  G 11,  which  entreated  him  to 

ascertain  if  any  such  person  as  Was  addressed  could 
be  found  in  the  vicinity  of  his  office.  She  must  be 
dead,  or  has  removed,  or  there  is  some  deception  in 
the  affair. 

Yesterday  died  in  the  Almshouse,  A T , 

the  well-informed  Scotch-Irish  girl,  who  said  to  her 
miserable  companions,  a  few  moments  before  she 
expired,  "  if  Jesus  is  ready  to  receive  me,  I  am 
ready  to  die" 

A  few  days  since,  departed  also  the  maiden  lady 
who  protected  the  soldier.  Better  was  the  day  of 
her  death  than  of  her  birth. 


204 


September  27th. 

IN  the  Almshouse,  a  female  of  only  fifteen  years 
of  age,  a  native  of  Ireland,  who  has  lately  heard  the 
writer  preach,  desired  to  converse  with  him.  She 
had  been  observed  to  weep,  and  to-day  her  tears 
fell  on  the  face  of  a  sweet  infant  which  slumbered 
on  her  lap.  It  was  fair  and  round,  like  its  little 
mother ;  who,  unfortunate  thing !  was  sold  and  de- 
ceived. Not  twelve  months  ago,  she  and  her  pa- 
rents arrived  in  this  country,  and  were  sold  for  their 
passage.  This  child,  then  thoughtless,  was  purchas- 
ed by  a  young  countryman,  who  pretended  to  love 
her,  and  finally  deserted  her, 

•* push'd  her  from  shore, 

"  And  launchM  her  into  life  without  an  oar." 

She  was  so  deeply  afflicted  in  soul,  that  she  could 
say  but  little;  and  I  left  her  without  knowing  to 
what  question  in  particular  she  desired  an  answer. 

The  greater  part  of  persons,  when  seduced  from 
the  path  of  virtue  are  very  young.     I  have  just 

prayed  in  the  ward  in  which  A T died, 

and  saw  in  one  narrow  bed  two  blooming  females,  one 
of  whom  had  lived  6fteen,  and  the  other  only  thir- 
teen suns. 


205T 


September  29th. 

THIS  morning  Richard  Neal,  of  whom  some 
account  is  given  on  the  165th  page,  departed  this 
life  for  a  better.  He  possessed  but  little  knowledge, 
yet  it  was  of  the  right  kind,  it  was  evangelical,  it 
was  practical.  Extreme  pain  of  body,  long  continu- 
ed, he  bore  without  repining,  with  truly  Christian 
fortitude.  Concerning  this  black  man,  the  mighty 
might  say,  the  honourable  and  the  affluent  might 
say,  "  let  us  die  the  death  of  the  justified  person, 
and  let  our  last  end  be  like  his." 

The  young  mother  listened  to  the  word  of  God, 
with  much  apparent  contrition,  and  profound  atten- 
tion. 

An  aged  man,  who  cannot  live  but  a  few  days, 
and  who  will  perhaps  die  in  a  few  hours,  said,  on  my 
approach  to  his  bed,  "  /  am  all  but  in  the  eternal 
world:  I  am  on  the  verge  of  time  and  eternity:  but 
my  conscience  is  at  peace  with  God>  and  I  am  per- 
fectly quiet  about  myself" 

"  Do  you  think  then,"  it  was  demanded,  "  that  you 
have  no  sin?" 

"No>,no!  that's  not  my  meaning;  but  God  has 
pardoned  me,  and  given  me  peace  through  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  that's  the  reason  I  say  ray  con- 
science is  quiet.  I'm  going  to  the  eternal  world,  and 
I  wish  your  prayers.  I  wish  the  prayers  of  all  God's 
people" 

is 


206 

We  addressed  the  throne  of  grace  together ;  and 
then  he  resumed  the  conversation,  which  continued 
in  a  solemn  and  rational  strain  for  some  time.  Not  a 
thought  of  his  being  a  lunatic  entered  my  mind,  un- 
til I  was  leaving  him ;  when,  putting  a  paper  into  my 
hands,  he  said,  "  I  die  in  peace  with  men :  I  wish 
them  all  well,  and  hope  God  will  forgive  them,  but  I 
Wish  the  world  to  know  how  I  came  to  the  Alms- 
house." The  writing  which  has  this  caption, 
kk  viilany  unpunished,"  and  which  states,  that  in 
1797  he  was  robbed  of  his  personal  property  and 
real  estate,  by  some  of  the  most  respectable  citizens, 
he  desired  me  to  present  to  the  Governor  of  the  state. 
The  writing  concludes  with  these  words:  "  now, 
fellow-citizens,  I  am  thankful  to  you  for  all  the  hospi- 
table institutions  that  you  have  provided  for  all  them 
that  labour  under  distressing  circumstances,  but  I 
have  to  regret  that  I  have  been  swindled  out  of  my 
property,  and  kept  out  of  it  until  this  time,  being 
September  17th,  1811,  which  renders  me  an  object 
for  the  Almshouse." 

Gratitude  may  occupy  a  mind,  partially  deranged ; 
and  if  piety  exists  previously  to  insanity,  we  ought  not 
to  suppose  that  the  severe  judgment  warrants  any 
unfavourable  conclusion  concerning  the  soul's  condi- 
tion in  the  future  life. 


•207 


October  5th. 

CAROLINE  is  afflicted  with  a  new,  but  not  dis- 
graceful complaint,  which  requires  surgical  assistance. 
She  cannot  bear  any  conversation  about  her  mother. 
To  augment  her  troubles,  the  women  attempt  to 
make  her  believe  that  she  will  be  sent  to  the  Alms- 
house, among  the  incurable  persons. 

I  told  an  aged  sailor,  whose  flesh  has  vanished, 
and  of  whom  little  remains  but  skin  and  bones,  what 
I  thought  of  his  situation ;  for  I  feel  bound  to  warn 
the  dying  of  their  danger,  even  at  the  expense  of 
my  own  feelings  and  their  approbation.  Religious 
instruction  had  no  more  visible  effect  than  is  pro- 
duced by  the  wind  upon  polished  marble.  There 
was  nothing,  which  evinced  life  ;  no,  not  a  shrub, 
nor  even  moss  upon  the  rock,  which  could  be  mov- 
ed. He  asserted  that  he  prayed  in  his  thoughts ; 
but  when  the  nurse  asked  him,  "  if  the  minister 
should  pray  with  him,"  he  answered,  "  no." 

Since  the  19th  of  June,  I  have  had  frequent  inter- 
course with  the  young  sailor  who  was  excited  to  re- 
ligious  inquiry,  by  my  conversation  with  H — on  *. 
Now  he  is  almost  white  as  a  sheet,  and  the  writer 
said,  u  friend,  you  cannot  regain  your  wonted  colour." 

"  No,  Sir :  and  I  fear  I  never  shall,  for  I  grow 
Weaker.     But  still  I  hope  to  recover" 

*  See  the  127  Ui  page. 


208 

"  You  must  be  prepared  for  death  at  all  times,  for 
It  will  come  when  God  sends  it." 

"  It  is  my  daily  prayer,  that  I  may  be  ready;  and 
I  want  to  hear  you  preach  again,  but  my  cough  pre- 
vents me  from  hearing,  and  would  disturb  others." 

"  Then  you  must  read  the  Bible,  for  that  contains 
the  gospel." 

"  J  did  till  lately :  but  now  my  eyes  are  so  dim, 
that  after  I  have  read  two  or  three  lines,  it  is  all  like 
one  word." 

"  Then  others  must  read  to  you,  and  you  must 
pray.  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  find  any  sinner  wil- 
ling to  pray :  but  I  asked  one  of  the  patients  below, 
if  he  prayed,  and  he ." 

"Aye,  §ir!  all  the  sick  will  tell  you  that  they 
pray,  and  I  hope  they  do,  but  if  they  do'tft  pray  in 
heart,  it  an't  good  for  nothing,  I  take  it." 

"Are  you  not  ashamed  to  talk  so  much  about 
religion,  before  your  acquaintance  ?  Do  not  some  of 
them  laugh  at  you  ?" 

"  Why,  they  tell  me  I  am  growing  mighty  good, 
&c.  but  I  wish  I  was.  If  I  could  be  really  a  Chris- 
Han,  'fkn'f  I  that  would  keer  what  they  say." 


209 


October  20th. 

tt  EVIL  men  and  seducers  shall  wax  worse  and 
worse,  deceiving  and  being  deceived"  2  Tim.  iii.  13. 
There  is  a  regular  progression  of  sinful  men  from 
bad  to  worse.  An  obdurate  offender  once  said,  that 
he  should  melt  no  sooner  than  his  companious  in  the 
focus  of  divine  wrath ;  and  a  man  whom  I  have  often 
reproved,  has  told  me  repeatedly  and  with  solemnity, 
too,  "  that  he  expected  to  go  to  hell ;  but  this  was 
his  consolation,  that  he  could  endure  the  fierceness  of 
God's  wrath  as  well  as  any  man,  for  he  was  tough  as 
any  damned  being."  A  woman,  (yes,  a  woman  !) 
of  this  description  I  have  seen  to-day,  who  is  infect- 
ed, but  says  that  "  she  has  been  seven  years  in  the 
professional  business,  has  never  been  caught  before, 
and,  since  she  took  up  her  trade  to  get  a  living,  she 
is  determined  to  die  in  it." 

October  27th. 
EVER  since  the  13th  instant,  George  Las  been 
sick,  and  our  psalmody  indifferent ;  but  to-day  he 
resumed  his  office.  During  his  fever  I  frequent- 
ly visited  and  assisted  him ;  and  now  he  has  arisen 
to  reward  me,  by  affording  pleasure  to  the  congrega- 
tion of  the  poor. 


18  * 


210 


October  28th. 

WHILE  I  was  speaking  to  one  of  the  lost  fe* 

males  of  the  Hospital,  another  said,  "  Mr.  E , 

Mr.  E )  I  want  to  speak  with  you." 

Her  dying  body  was  so  offensive  as  to  give  great 
disquiet  to  the  organs  of  sense ;  but  I  drew  near, 
and  asked,  "  what  do  you  wish?" 

"  I've  been  long  wishing  to  speak  with  you,"  she 
said,  but  could  not  proceed.  Her  face  was  so  thin, 
that  when  the  nerves  and  muscles  were  affected  by 
that  emotion  which  commonly  produces  weeping,  it 
was  covered  with  wrinkles,  and  looked  horribly  grim. 
She  could  not  weep,  for  the  fountains  were  all  dry. 
Before  I  left  her,  she  said,  "  O  pray,  pray  for " 

"  For  what  shall  I  pray  ?" 

"  TJiat  God  would  bring  me  into  his  everlasting 
salvation.99 

October  20tk. 

YESTERDAY  I  visited  again  the  dying  prosti- 
tute, and  every  individual  of  her  room  seemed  af- 
flicted by  her  distress.  Her  body  is  literally  con- 
sumed, while  her  life  remains.     To-day  Dr.  P 

went  with  me  to  the  Hospital,  and  offered  prayers  in 
four  rooms.  We  saw  the  same  young  woman  again, 
and  this  dialogue  followed. 

Dr.  P.  "  Have  you  any  hope  ?" 

Pros.  "  Some  feeble  hope,  Sir." 


211 

Dr.  P.  u  Well,  and  what  is  the  ground  of  you* 
hope?" 

Pros.  "  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

Dr.  P.  "  Where  is  he  now  ?" 

Pros.  "  In  heaven." 

Dr.  P.  "  What  is  he  doing  there?" 

Pros.  "  Glorifying  God,  his  Father." 

Dr.  P.  "  Yes,  and  interceding  for  perishing  sia- 
ners." 

Pros.  O,  I  hope  he  pleads  for  me !" 

Dr.  P.  "You  need  not  fear  to  trust  him,  for  he 
died  for  sinners ;  and  he  says,  come  unto  me,  all  ye 
that  labour  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you 
rest."  The  Doctor  added  many  similar  quotations, 
to  her  great  encouragement. 

November  3d. 

REBECCA,  who  buried  her  mother,  has  lately 
been  married  to  a  young  and  reputable  man,  a  cur- 
rier, to  whom  she  was  engaged  before  the  death  of 
her  parent. 

In  one  ward  of  the  Almshouse  several  have  lately 
died  of  the  typhus  fever.  Soon  after  I  preached 
ihere  on  the  last  Sabbath  morning,  one  who  heard 
me,  gave  up  the  ghost,  whose  corpse,  to  gratify 
friends,  or  for  some  other  reason,  was  suffered  to  re- 
main in  the  room,  full  of  sick  persons,  until  Monday. 
On  the  day  of  its  removal,  the  nurse,  a  faithful  at- 
tendant on  the  diseased,  and  a  pious  woman,  was 
seized  with  the  same  malady.  It  was  painful  indeed 
to  see  one  laid  low,  who  had  been  serviceable  to  mul- 
titudes; and  affecting  to  behold  the  most  respectable 


212 

of  the  poor  flocking  around  her,  to  mingle  tears  and 
prayers  for  her  recovery. 

To  a  serious  woman,  whom  I  have  known  for  some 
weeks,  and  who  is  dying  in  the  same  ward,  I  said, 
"  you  seem  almost  gone." 

"Yes,  Sir;  I  shall  go  soon,"- was  her  reply,  "  but 
"  I  cannot  hasten  the  time.  Sometimes  I  am  almost 
impatient  to  be  gone,  that  I  may  be  with  Jesus,  but 
I  must  wait  my  appointed  time,  and  he  will  come 
soon." 

At  the  commencement  of  public  worship  this 
morning,  I  was  requested  so  soon  as  possible  to  come 
and  pray  with  two  persons,  who  have  been  my  con- 
stant hearers.  After  sermon  I  went ;  but  one  was 
dead,  and  her  coffin,  half  full  of  pine  shavings,  for 
her  bed,  was  on  the  floor  beside  the  lifeless  body. 

The  girl  with  whom  Dr.  P conversed  has  en- 
tered the  eternal  world.  While  the  patients  in  the 
Hospital  were  praising  God,  this  afternoon,  a  man  in 
the  opposite  room  awoke,  and  asked,  "  what  singing 
is  that?"  In  half  an  hour  after  I  was  with  him,  and 
he  breathed  his  last  in  my  presence,  while  I  com- 
mented upon  the  scene,  and  sought  to  prepare  the 
beholders  for  the  exchange  of  worlds.  A  man  was 
the  preacher,  but  God  made  an  immediate,  practical 
application  of  the  discourse. 


213 


November  7th, 

TO  detect  deception  in  one  whose  happiness  has 
been  industriously  sought,  is  painful.  Detection, 
however,  of  every  imposture,  is  desirable. 

To-day  I  have  received  a  very  polite  letter  from 

the  post-master  in  G 11,  which  states,  that  the 

letters  to  Mrs.  M S 11  have  been  duly  ad- 
vertised, that  diligent  inquiries  for  such  a  person 
have  been  made,  and  that  no  such  person  resides 
either  in  that  town  or  its  vicinity.  This  letter  was 
inclosed  and  presented  to  Caroline,  with  another,  of 
which  the  following  is  a 

COPY. 

«  New-York,  Nov.  7th,  1811. 

CAROLINE, 

You  must  know  that  I  feel  deeply  interested  in* 
your  temporal  and  eternal  welfare.  You  have  re- 
ceived a  few  favours,  without  knowing  whence  they 
came,  and  they  were  intended  as  pledges  of  future 
services.  I  am  still  ready  to  promote  your  welfare. 
But  you  must  permit  me  to  deal  plainly  as  well  as 
kindly  with  you. 

"  Long  have  I  perceived,  that  to  hear  me  speak  of 
expecting  a  letter  from  your  mother  gave  you  pain. 
You  have  deceived  me ;  but  remember  that  I  can 
forgive,  and  forget.  Yea,  I  could  plead  some  extenua- 
tion of  your  crime,  for  it  was  with  reluctance  that  you 
consented  to  my  addressing  your  mother.     Believe 


214 

me  still  your  friend,  if  you  repent.  You  have  done 
evil  in  this  affair.  You  should  be  sorry,  not  so 
much  that  you  have  wronged  me,  as  that  you  have 
displeased  God.  You  are  a  young  woman  too  well 
instructed,  not  to  know  your  mother's  name,  and 
the  town,  county,  and  state  of  her  residence.  I 
beseech  you,  then,  to  give  me  a  true  account,  and 
I  will  not  needlessly  expose  you,  or  the  address  of 
your  mother.  If  you  will  permit  me  to  write  to  her, 
this  deception  shall  not  be  published  to  the  patients, 
who  have  anticipated  your  second  fall.  Trust  in 
me  still,  and  if  others  will  not  assist  you,  I  will,  so 
long  as  you  evince  hatred  of  j-our  past  misconduct. 
As  you  value  your  immortal  soul,  tell  me  the  whole 
truth,  or  nothing.  Tell  me  your  name,  your  wants, 
your  trials  in  relation  to  your  friends,  and  you  will 
find  me  one  who  can  pity  and  pardon  a  thousand 
times.  A  second  deception  will  not  answer.  The 
past  shall  be  as  though  it  had  not  been.  With  God 
there  is  mercy.  O  may  you  fly  to  him  for  the  par- 
don of  every  sin ! 

"  Your  friend,  who,  under  Christ,  would  be  your 
preserver  from  misery  and  hell," 


21j 


November  9  th. 

THE  matron  of  the  Hospital  sent  me  word,  that 
notwithstanding  all  her  remonstrances,  Caroline  was 
determined  to  leave  the  Hospital  before  she  was 
sufficiently  restored  to  quit  the  city.  My  remon- 
strances were  added,  and  she  was  solemnly  warned 
against  returning  to  the  abodes  of  ill  fame  ;  for  there 
no  one  could  counsel,  or  exhort,  or  assist  her  ;  there 
her  companions  would  entice ;  and  there  want 
might,  in  some  sense,  be  said  to  compel.  No  other 
family  would  receive  a  female  stranger,  and  she  was 
destitute  of  the  means  of  providing  for  herself. 
She  cried  like  a  child,  but  would  not  turn  her  face 
away  from  the  wall.  In  a  conversation  of  more 
than  an  hour,  she  did  not  once  look  on  the  speaker. 
She  must  leave  the  Hospital,  she  said,  but  was  firm- 
ly resolved  never  to  return  to  past  iniquity.  This 
testimony  concerning  her  resolutions  could  not  be 
accredited  by  any  one,  in  case  of  her  departure ;  and 
I  told  her  that  I  should  consider  her  discharge  from 
the  Hospital,  a  voluntary  plunge  into  the  pit  of  des- 
truction. 


216 


November  10  th. 

YESTERDAY,  in  the  afternoon,  crying  and 
trembling,  the  foolish  Caroline  left  her  safe  aslyum. 
Whither  she  went  I  know  not ;  but  disappointed  as 
we  all  are,  who  sought  her  restoration,  with  this  we 
may^  comfort  ourselves,  that  in  some  feeble  manner 
we  have  imitated  him,  who  came  from  heaven  to 
seek  the  lost* 

P *,  a  poor  girl,  who  has  been  in  the  Hos- 
pital many  months,  and  who  has  conducted  with 
perfect  propriety,  says,  "  O  that  I  could  have  simi- 
lar proposals  of  protection.'*  For  months  she  has 
dreaded  nothing  so  much  as  the  thought  of  being 
discharged  from  the  Hospital  without  the  means  of 
subsistence. 

An  assurance  that  she  should  not  be  compelled 
to  return  to  a  house  of  bad  fame,  while  I  could  com- 
mand a  dollar,  she  received  with  a  courtesy,  a  tear? 
and  the  declaration*  that  she  felt  herself  unworthy 
of  such  kindness. 

*  See  page  104. 


21 


November  14  th. 

EARLY  on  Monday  morning,  the  11th  instant, 
I  went  to  Long-Island,  and  did  not  return  until  this 
evening.  Immediately  on  my  arrival  my  brother 
invited  me  to  go  with  him  and  see  a  sick  woman. 
Reluctantly  I  went  a  mile,  and  whom  should  I  see 
but  Caroline  !  Never  did  I  expect  to  see  her  face 
again ;  but  now  I  found  her  in  a  decent  house,  un- 
der the  care  of  a  worthy  woman,  whose  husband  was 
present.  The  circumstances  which  led  to  this  meet 
icg  were  these. 

My  brother,  lately  returned  from  England,  had 
accompanied  me  to  the  Hospital,  on  the  sabbath,  at 
different  times,  and  there  had  seen  Caroline  in  tears. 
What  I  supposed  to  be  her  history  I  had  told  him ; 
and  on  the  I  Oth  made  him  acquainted  with  her  de- 
parture, saying  that  I  considered  her  lost  for  ever. 

On  the  same  morning  that  I  went  to  Long-Island, 
my  brother,  in  walking  the  streets,  saw  Caroline 
weeping  at  a  window.  She  knew  him  not;  and  he 
entered  the  house  with  the  intention  of  ascertaining 
whether  she  were  abandoned  in  principle.  He  re- 
quested to  see  her  alone.  She  refused,  saying  that 
she  had  been  vile,  but  she  would  hereafter  see  no 
gentleman  alone.  Her  female  companions  entreated 
her  to  comply,  alleging  that  she  was  in  want  of  mo- 
ney, and  had  earned  nothing  since  her  return.  She 
absolutely  refused  to  speak  with  him,  in  any  other 
19 


218 


place  than  before  company.  He  had  now  gained 
the  information  which  he  desired,  and  presented  to 
her  his  card. 

iC  Are  you  his  brother  V 
«  Yes." 

w  And  have  you  come  to  assist  me?" 

He  assured  her  that  he  had  come  for  that  pur- 
pose alone,  and  would  seek  her  decent  lodgings  if 
she  would  prefer  them  to  her  present  abode.  She 
had  returned  to  the  house  whence  she  went,  when 
received  at  the  Hospital ;  but  she  protested  that  she 
had  not  returned  from  any  disposition  to  live  dis- 
honestly. No  other  house  could  she  find  for  a 
shelter,  and  here  she  expected  to  get  well,  that  she 
might  go  home. 

"  But  you  deceived  my  brother,  and  the  gover- 
nors of  the  Hospital,"  he  said. 

On  this  subject  she  could  have  desired  silence ; 
but  she  confessed,  that  she  had  borne  a  fictitious 
name  in  the  city.  Aside  from  this,  she  had  rather 
suffered  the  minister  to  be  deceived,  than  actually  de- 
ceived him  ;  for  her  mother's  name  was  Martha,  and 
she  did  live  in  G — 11.  "  He  concluded  that  my 
mother's  name  was  S — 11,  because  I  went  by  that 
surname."  She  then  made  my  brother  acquainted 
with  her  own  and  her  parent's  real  name,  and  pre- 
sent place  of  residence.  Still  she  insisted  that  she 
had  been  seduced  from  a  boarding-school ;  but  more 
of  her  history  could  not  willingly  relate. 

After  these  disclosures  and  professions  of  repent- 
ance for  her  misconduct,  my  brother  determined  to 
seek  for  her  a  better  home.     After  several  imsuc- 


219 

cessful  attempts,  he  met  Mr.  Joseph  George,  and 
stated  the  whole  affair.  This  young  gentleman  pro- 
cured for  her,  whom  I  shall  still  call  Caroline,  her 
present  asylum,  and  went  Avith  my  brother  to  re- 
move her  from  the  gates  of  hell. 

This  evening  I  demanded  of  her,  "why  did  you 
leave  the  Hospital .?"  She  could  not  endure,  she 
said,  to  see  those  who  had  treated  her  kindly,  and 
whom  she  had  deceived.  She  expected,  moreover, 
that  the  patients,  who  were  always  threatening  her 
with  the  Almshouse,  would  reproach  her  more  bit- 
terly than  ever.  This  did  not  excuse  her  from  cen- 
sure, mingled,  nevertheless,  with  exhortation  and 
compassion,, 

November  16th. 

MR.  GEORGE,  and  many  others,  have  long 
been  revolving  in  their  minds  the  plan  of  a  Magda- 
len Asylum;  and  the  adventure  in  which  he  has 
lately  been  engaged,  has  given  such  a  spur  to  his 
feelings,  and  such  a  tale  to  excite  compassion,  that 
the  exertions  of  this  young  man  will  probably  found 
the  desired  institution.  Nothing  is  necessary  but 
zeal  to  give  the  thing  a  commencement. 

Should  Caroline  be  lost  for  ever,  her  history, 
whether  true  or  false,  may  be  employed  by  divine 
providence,  so  that  it  shall  become  the  means  of 
salvation  to  many.  At  present,  Dr.  John  C.  Os- 
borne, one  of  the  Physicians  of  the  Hospital,  very 
humanely  attends  upon  her  without  money  and  with- 
out price. 


220 


December  Mth. 

SINCE  others  have  taken  the  charge  of  Caroline, 
I  have  gladly  witnessed  their  exertions,  and,  to  en- 
courage those  who  cannot  bring  their  minds  to  assist 
deceivers,  have  travelled,  going  and  returning,  more 
than  three  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  that  I  might 
visit  her  mother.  When  drawing  near  the  place  in 
which  I  expected  to  find  the  object  of  my  search, 
some  affirmed  that  there  was,  and  others  that  there 
was  not,  such  a  being  in  existence.  At  my  arrival 
in  the  town,  a  gentleman  of  distinction  received  me 
at  dinner ;  and  the  afternoon  was  spent  in  fruitless 
inquiries,  from  house  to  house.  Some  knew  the 
woman,  and  others  did  not.  The  sun  had  descend- 
ed, and  hope  almost  failed  me,  when  I  strolled  for 
the  distance  of  a  mile  or  two  into  a  pine  wood.  It 
was  dark  and  the  path  muddy.  At  a  distance  I  saw 
a  light,  which  proceeded  from  a  log-house.  This  I 
entered,  and  saw  some  children,  naked  almost  as 
they  were  born,  sleeping  in  the  ashes.  Of  the  mo- 
ther I  demanded  if  she  knew  the  family  which  I 
sought  to  find.  She  did ;  and  asked  if  I  were  a  son, 
for,  said  she,  "  the  woman  had  a  son  who  favours 
you ;  and  he  lives  away."  She  gave  me  such  direc- 
tions, that  the  next  morning,  before  it  was  light,  I 
galloped  away  many  miles  from  the  house  of  my 
honourable  friend;  and  before  the  sun  had  arisen 
from  the  mountains  I  saw  ihe  mother  of  Caroline. 


221 

The  resemblance  in  their  features  assured  me  thai 
there  could  be  no  mistake.  The  mother  was  card- 
ing cotton  in  an  old-fashioned  farm-house ;  and  had 
every  appearance  of  the  decent  poverty  of  one  who 
had  seen  happier  days. 

Before  I  discovered  my  business,  she  told  me  the 
number,  and  circumstances  of  her  children,  which 
perfectly  corresponded  with  the  account  given  by 
Caroline.  "  But  where  is  your  youngest  daughter  ?" 
With  tears  the  mother  said  she  did  not  know.  "  She 
Was  at  a  boarding-school,  kept  by  a  teacher  in  the 
Methodist  connexion,  and  she  was  enticed  away. 
I've  heard  she  was  married;  and  I've  heard  she 
Was  dead.     Do  you  know  any  thing  about  her?5' 

The  intelligence  was  like  news  from  the  dead. 
The  mother  wept,  and  laughed,  and  sighed,  and 
wrung  her  hands,  and  wondered  her  daughter  did 
not  return. 

When  I  described  the  interview  to  Caroline,  she 
discovered  almost  as  much  frenzy  of  affection  as  her 
mother.  Still  it  remains  uncertain  whether  they 
will  ever  meet  again  :  but  of  this  I  am  certain,  that 
the  mother  would  gladly  embrace  a  long-lost  child  #. 

*  The  curiosity  of  the  reader,  has  some  claim  to  be 
gratified,  by  a  narration  of  some  subsequent  events, 
which  relate  to  Caroline.  In  the  beginning  of  the, 
year  1812,  "the  Magdalen  Society  of  New- York" 
was  organized,  of  which  Peter  Wilson,  L.  L.  D  is 
President,  John  Murray,  Jun.  Vice-President,  Tho- 
mas L.  Ogden,  Secretary,  John  dsfiinzvall, Treasurer ; 
and  Divie  Bethune,  Abraham  Russel,  John  Cauld- 
19  * 


222 


December  12tk. 

A  YOUNG  man  who  has  cut  his  throat,  but  who 
is  now  rational,  signified  his  desire  that  the  writer 
should  pray  for  him.  What  occasioned  his  attempt 
at  suicide  is  unknown.     He   is  an  American,  who 

well,  Leonard  Bleeker,  J.  E.  Caldwell,  Robert  Gos- 
man,  Thomas  Harvey,  James  Bleeker,  Nicholas 
Fish,  John  Withington,  Jacob  Delamontagne,  Sam- 
uel Harris,  Zechaiiah  Lewis,  Samuel  Boyd,  Joseph 
Smith,  Nathan  Comstock,  and  J.  P.  Mumford,  are 
Managers,  The  standing  Committee,  who  have 
the  power  delegated  to  them,  afforded  Caroline  a 
temporary  asylum,  and  afterwards,  since  her  last 
complaint  required  it,  removed  her  to  the  Hospital 
for  cure.  No  accommodations  in  the  house  of  a 
poor  person,  or  of  one  in  mediocrity,  can  equal 
those  of  the  Hospital.  It  was  a  kindness,  therefore, 
to  bring  her  back  to  the  institution  from  which  she 
fled. 

About  the  beginning  of  June,  1812,  a  woman,  ad- 
vanced in  life,  appeared  on  the  sabbath  at  the  gate 
of  the  Hospital,  and  requested  admittance  Visit* 
ers  on  the  sabbath  are  excluded,  and  she  was  there- 
fore denied.  She  entreated  that  she  might  at  least 
see  the  preacher.  He  went  to  the  gate,  knew  her 
face,  and  understood,  without  any  explanation,  her 
business.  For  three  days  she  had  been  seeking  in 
the  city  for  the  person  who  sought  her  among  the 
mountains. 

««  Come  in,  come  in »" 


223 

was  impressed  on  board  a  British  ship  of  war,  but 
obtained  his  pay  and  a  discharge  in  August  of  the 
present  year.  He  had  been  in  this  city  but  a  few 
days,  before  he  delivered  his  money  into  the  hands 
of  his  landlord,  and  perpetrated  the  deed  against  his 
own  flesh. 

The  writer  conversed  also  with  P —  G — ,  a  man 
of  middle  age,  who  seems  to  have  been  seriously 
aroused  from  spiritual  lethargy,  while  in  the  Hos- 
pital 

"  After  1  have  heard  you  preach,"  she  said, <v  I 
should  be  glad  to  learn  of  you " 

"  Yes,  yes,  you  shall  see  the  person,"  the  preach- 
er said,  and  leading  the  way,  pointed  her  to  the 
room  in  which  he  was  to  officiate.  She  entered,  and 
sat  down  on  a  bench,  at  the  foot  of  the  bed  on  which 
her  daughter  lay.  In  a  moment  their  eyes  met ; 
and  Oh  !  what  a  meeting  was  that !  It  was  too  sud- 
den and  unexpected.  They  wept  together ;  and 
when  the  preacher  commenced  public  worship, 
the  poor  old  woman  was  still  bending  over  her  weep- 
ing child.  Yea,  during  the  whole  service,  the  mo- 
ther would  walk  before  the  bed  of  her  daughter, 
cry,  wring  her  hands,  look  at  the  preacher,  and  then 
her  child,  smile,  and  sob  again.  She  would  have 
taken  Caroline  home  with  her ;  but  the  state  of  her 
health  would  not  then  permit.  She  has  since  been 
restored  to  soundness,  and  has  returned  to  her  afflict- 
ed parent. 

What  will  become  of  this  miserably  seduced  per- 
son, remains  to  be  decided  by  her  own  conduct.  She 
may  continue  to  behave  well  and  she  may" fall  more 
basely  than  ever.    Over  her  real  name,  and  perhaps 


224 


December  13$, 

THIS  evening  the  suicide  became  furious  against 
himself;  said  he  might  as  well  die  now  as  confess 
his  sins  to  a  court,  and  be  hung ;  and  made  such 
vigorous  exertions,  that  four  men  could  not  prevent 
him  from  tearing  open  his  wounds,  that  he  might 
rush  upon  the  judgment  of  Jehovah. 

December  16th. 
A  YOUNG  man,  who  has  heard  me  preach  for 
many  weeks  in  the  Hospital,  who  was  convalescing 
in  the  Almshouse,  but  who  now  has  a  fever,  request- 
ed that  I  would  come  and  see  him  once  more  before 
his  death.     Poor  fellow  !  he  could  not  converse ;  he 


all  the  future,  should  it  be  known  to  the  writer,  it 
will  be  best  to  draw  the  vail  of  night.  It  is  suffi- 
cient, that  the  influence  of  her  history  in  giving  rise 
to  the  Magdalen  Society,  has  already  been  exhibited. 
Should  that  Institution  be  conducted  on  the  princi- 
ples of  similar  charities  in  Europe,  it  will  undoubt- 
edly be  productive  of  much  good  It  has  already 
received  P— «,  and  some  ethers.  Should  the  mem- 
bers merely  save  an  individual  annually,  their  la- 
bours would  not  be  without  an  adequate  reward  in 
the  present  life.  Let  it  never  be  forgotten,  that  Je- 
sus kindly  instructed  the  woman  of  Samaria,  who 
was  living  in  an  illicit  connexion  ;  and  that  publi- 
cans and  harlots  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven5 
while  multitudes  of  the  censorious  are  excluded. 


225 

could  only  clasp  his  hands  and  look  up.  In  this 
posture  were  his  hands  and  eyes,  when  I  left  him. 
Who  can  say  that  he  may  not,  by  the  eye  of  faith, 
penetrate  the  vail,  which  obscures  heaven  from  bu- 
sy mortals  ? 

December  17th. 

THE  man  of  whom  I  wrote  on  the  12th  instant, 
was  anxious  to  see  me  ;  and  assures  me,  to-day,  that 
he  would  wish  never,  never  to  sin  again,  were  hell 
annihilated.  He  would  not  willingly  displease  the 
compassionate  God,  were  he  disarmed  of  his  thun- 
ders. 

It  is  seriously  to  be  apprehended,  that  compara- 
tively few  sailors  will  make  the  haven  of  eternal  bliss. 
They  sail  upon  an  opposite  course ;  their  passions 
are  the  gales,  and  they  spread  all  their  canvass. 

One  I  have  seen  to-day  who  seems  bound  in  a 
right  direction.  He  has  been  constrained  to  come 
about.  According  to  his  statement,  he  was  born  in 
Salem,  Massachusetts,  and  has  been  for  many  years 
a  bold,  profane,  rampant  tar.  Until  two  years  ago 
he  was  the  chief  of  bullies  ;  would  defy  every  man  ; 
and  when  on  shore,  found  the  highest  gratification 
in  a  riot.  His  mother  and  grandmother  were  pious. 
Whenever  he  landed  in  his  native  state,  he  went 
immediately  to  see  the  latter,  because  he  loved  her 
as  much  as  his  mother.  About  two  years  since  this 
Lois,  who  had  imitated  the  grandmother  of  Timothy, 
went  to  glory.  He  was  accustomed  to  think  of  her 
with  delight,  and  his  conscience  frequently  proposed 
to  hio  heart  this  question  r  «  how  can  I  ever  expect 


226 

to  meet  that  pious  relative  Vs  He  was  convinced 
that  two  persons  so  different  as  they  were  could 
never  meet  in  heaven,  unless  he  was  first  converted. 
Thus  commenced  his  seriousness :  and  he  went  to 
sea  again.  On  the  voyage  he  was  contemplative, 
and  diligently  applied  himself  to  the  bible,  to  learn 
how  he  might  meet  that  good  woman.  In  the 
book  he  found  that  there  is  no  heaven,  without  be- 
ing a  new  creature  in  Christ  Jesus.  "  To  show 
you,  Sir,"  he  said,  "  what  Christ  can  do,  I  must  say, 
that  my  messmates  were  afraid  of  me,  because  I  was 
so  blasphemously  wicked,  but  he  has  made  me  like 
a  little  child.  I,  who  always  desired  a  boxing-match, 
have  since  been  more  pleased  to  be  smitten  on  both 
cheeks  without  returning  it,  than  I  should  be  to  re- 
ceive a  hundred  dollars. " 

December  13//t. 
P —  G — ,  dying  with  the  rapid  consumption,  is 
still  solicitous  about  the  way  of  life.  This  is  the 
object  of  his  chief  concern ;  but  he  wishes  also  to 
prepare  a  peaceful  grave  for  his  bones.  To  an 
smanuens  is,  one  of  his  fellow-patients,  he  dictated 
the  following 

LETTER. 

«  New-York  Hospital,  ISth  Dec.  1311. 

HONOURED    FATHER, 

I  AM  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  inform  you  that  I  am 
at  this  present  time  obliged  to  get  a  person  to  write 
for  me  to  you,  to  let  you  know  that  1  am  very  sick 
in  the  New- York  Hospital,  and  to  all  appearance 
near  to  the  end  of  my  life.     And  as  I  am  destitute 


227 

of  money,  and  wish  to  be  buried  in  some  decent 
manner,  which  cannot  be  done  without  it,  I  there- 
fore request  you  to  send  me  some  for  that  purpose 
as  soon  as  possible,  after  you  receive  this,  as  I  know 
not  how  soon  my  time  may  come.  I  have  been  a 
wicked  child,  but  I  pray  you,  Oh  my  dearest  father ! 
not  to  refuse  this  last  request  of  your  dying  son. 
Ten  dollars  will  be  sufficient  to  procure  me  a  bed, 
where  my  body  may  remain  unmolested.  Please  to 
send  it  to  Mr.  Noah  Wetmore,  the  Superintendent 
of  the  New- York  Hospital,  who  will  see  it  faithfully 
applied  for  that  purpose.  In  the  mean  time,  and  I 
believe  for  the  last  time,  permit  me  to  subscribe  my- 
self your  distressed  and  almost  dying  son, 

P—  G— . 

Mr.  D—  G— . 

P.  S.  Give  my  duty  to  my  mother  for  the  last 
time." 

To  one  of  his  brethren  he  writes  under  the  same 
date  : 

"  If  my  brother  Samuel  is  at  home,  give  my  love 
to  him,  and  if  possible  I  wish  to  see  him  here,  be- 
fore I  die.  I  am  a  great  sinner ;  I  have  been  a 
wild  high  fellow,  but  now  I  pray  God  to  forgive  my 
sins,  before  I  come  to  his  judgment.  Give  my  last 
love  to  all  my  sisters,  and  the  rest  of  my  kindred, 

P.  G." 


228 


December  19th. 

IN  one  ward  of  the  Almshouse,  in  which  I  pray- 
ed, to-day,  were  nine  or  ten  persons  dangerously 
sick.  There  was  so  much  groaning  from  bodily 
pain,  that  I  could  scarcely  think  of  any  thing  else. 
Prayers  were  offered  also  in  the  presence  of  about 
forty  women  of  ill  fame ;  of  whom  not  more  than 
four  appear  to  have  any  sort  of  care  for  their  im- 
mortal souls.  Two  of  these  persons  were  M.  B. 
and  A.  W.  of  whom  I  have  repeatedly  written. 
The  other  two  I  know  not,  but  one  of  them  wept 
and  prayed  aloud,  in  a  few  words,  which  denoted 
great  fear  and  anxiety. 

December  23rd. 
THIS  evening  P —  G —  died,  with  a  composed 
spirit.  When  he  felt  himself  near  the  eternal  world, 
he  was  unconcerned  for  the  mortal  part.  Jesus 
Christ  will  raise  it  up  at  the  last  day,  and  should  the 
particles  of  dust  be  scattered  to  the  four  winds,  He 
who  formed  man  will  be  at  no  loss  for  materials,  in 
erecting  the  spiritual  frame  % 

*  The  letters  which  were  forwarded  to  the  friends  of  P —  G-= 
were  not  received  until  long  after  his  death.  Immediately  on  the. 
reception,  the  father  directed  a  very  affecting  letter  to  roe,  in. 
which  he  inquires  after  his  son  j  snd  proffers  him,  if  living,  ail 
suitable  assistance. 


229 


December  25th. 

THE  Rev.  John  Stanford  has  been  abundant 
in  his  gratuitous  labours  among  the  inhabitants  of 
the  State's  Prison.  One  of  the  prisoners  to-day 
expressed  his  gratitude  to  this  gentleman  in  a  poeti- 
cal address,  of  which  the  following  is 

AN    EXTRACT. 

"  To  soothe  the  sick,  to  lead  the  blind, 
And  comfort  give  the  wretched  mind, 
You  always  take  a  feeling  part, 
And  find  admission  to  the  heart. 
All  this  is  done  in  such  kind  ways 
As  captivate  the  heart  that  strays, 
And  consolation  often  brings, 
As  though  it  were  on  angels'  wings. 
When  Justice  lifts  the  sword  of  state, 
All  must  of  course  submit  their  fate, 
Yet  if,  through  error,  she  should  strike 
The  just  and  the  unjust  alike, 
Your  doctrine  still  shall  bring  to  sight 
The  brightest  day  in  darkest  night. 
Many  there  are,  who  see  with  pain 
The  prison-door*  and  prison-chain* 
Yet  few  there  are  so  free  to  give 
Their  time  and  service  to  relieve." 

In  the  last  lines  the  prisoner  alludes  to  the  fact* 

thai  most  of  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  who  preach 

in  rotation  at  the  prison,  give  only  the  service  of 

ba!i  the  sabbath,  because  it  is  inconvenient  to  desert 

20 


230 

their  respective  churches  ;  while  Mr.  S — — -,  having 
no  parochial  charge,  and  feeling  compassion  for 
those  who  would  otherwise  be  in  close  confinement, 
labours  with  them  during  the  whole  day. 

Another  prisoner,  being  desirous  of  expressing 
his  gratitude  for  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  wrote 
an  address  to  Mr.  Stanford  in  the  Lathi  language, 
which  he  translated,  and  presented  to  the  superin- 
tendent in  a  letter,  which  for  elegance  and  delicacy 
of  compliment  has  rarely  been  surpassed  by  any 
pen.     The  following  is 

A    COPY    OF    THE    LETTER. 

"  To  Nicholas  Roome,  Esq. 
Indulgent  Sir, 

Permit  me,  through  the  medium  of  yourself,  to 
present  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stanford  with  a  new-year  s  gift. 
The  friendly  and  disinterested  manner  in  which  he 
has  so  frequently  addressed  us,  has  impressed  me, 
and,  I  sincerely  believe,  many  others,  with  a  deep 
sense  of  our  obligations.  I  am  not  authorized  to  ad- 
dress him  in  behdf  of  the  prisoners,  though  indi- 
viduals cordially  assent,  but  beg  leave,  in  the  com- 
mencement of  the  new  year,  to  give  him  a  small  to- 
ken of  our  gratitude.  The  mode  may  appear  novel. 
I  have  written  it  in  Latin*  not  with  a  view  to  exhi- 
bit a  specimen  of  an  imperfect  and  much  impaired 
education,  but  merely  to  pay  a  just  compliment  to 
Mr.  Stanford's  superior  understanding.  For  your 
own  personal  convenience,  I  have  annexed  to  this  a 
translation,  as  literal  as  the  peculiar  idioms  of  the 
two  languages  would  permit.  There  are,  undoubt- 
edly, many  imperfections ;  but  Mr.  Stanford's  well 


231 

known  goodness  encourages  a  hope,  that  he  will  view 
it  with  candour. 

"  Notwithstanding  the  gratitude  I  feel  for  Mr. 
Stanford,  it  is  not  confined  to  him  alone.  You,  Sir. 
hold  an  equal  claim.  For  the  numerous  instances 
of  your  past  kindness,  I  wish  you,  on  this  occasion, 
a  restoration  of  your  health.  May  you  liberally  en- 
joy the  blessings  of  the  new  year.  May  you  long 
live  to  enjoy  conjugal  and  paternal  felicity.  May 
the  lives  of  those  sweet  babes,  who  daily  delight 
you  with  their  innocent  prattle,  be  prolonged ;  and 
may  they  become  ornaments  to  society,  in  whose 
future  prosperity  you  anticipate  the  joys  of  your 
©Id  age. 

"  With  sentiments  of  gratitude  I  subscribe  my- 
self the  unfortunate, 

O— -  P » 

A  Copy  of  the  inclosed  translation. 
"a  new  year's  gift, 
**  With  diffidence  addressed  to  the  most  reverend  John 
Stanford,   Master  of  Arts,   Doctor  of  Divini- 
ty, and  the  friend  of  man*. 
"  If  it  be  proper  for  me,  a  wretch,  confined  in  a 
prison  and  clothed  with  disgrace,  to  greet  you  ;  con- 
templating the  events  of  the  past  year,  and  your 
numerous  endeavours  to  instruct  our  ignorant  minds, 
I  wish  you  the  blessings  of  heaven.     Your  labours, 
in  consoling  the  wretched  and  drawing  souls  to  the 

*  The  English  reader  will  remember,   that  this  is  the  UStfal 
ityle  of  address,  which  was  used  among  the  polite  Romans', 


232 

Saviour  of  sinners,  demand  our  thanks.  I  hare 
not  words,  whereby  I  can  express  the  feelings  of 
my  heart.  Not  flattery,  but  the  truth,  I  speak. 
There  is  a  suavity  in  your  manner  of  speaking, 
which  gives  comfort  to  the  most  miserable,  and 
plainly  indicates  the  humon'ty  of  the  speaker. 
While  the  body  languishes  through  grief,  you  nour- 
ish the  soul  by  gospel  food. 

"  As  hard  wax  is  rendered  soft  by  fire,  so  by 
your  discourses  stubborn  hearts  are  prepared  to  re- 
ceive the  impressions  of  divine  truth;  and,  while 
the  mind  wanders  in  errour,  you  point  out  the  way 
which  leads  to  eternal  happiness. 

«  For  your  kind  services,  with  which  we  have 
so  frequently  been  favoured,  I  pray  that  your  pros- 
perity may  be  increased,  this  year ;  that  you  may 
live  long  here  below  ;  and  when  you  quit  this  mor- 
tal life,  may  God  receive  you  to  the  mansions  above, 
where,  joined  with  the  saints,  you  may  for  ever 
exalt  the  praises  of  God  and  the  Lamb. 
Thus  prays, 

O P ." 

It  is  a  proof  of  the  scholarship  of  this  prisoner, 
that  to  the  original  paper  he  has  subjoined  a  note, 
altering  the  phraseology,  that  he  might  avoid  the 
repetition  of  the  same  word.  Such  prisoners  have 
sufficient  talents  to  render  them  good  critics,  and  the 
man,  who  thinks  that  a  weak  discourse  "  will  an- 
swer for  the  State's  Prison,"  has  forgotten  that  fools 
lire  never  rogues.  Perhaps  six  hundred  hearers, 
who  possess  equal  acuteness  with  the  prisoners,  can- 
not easily  be  assembled  in  any  church.     They  very 


soon  discover  what  they  think  of  the  talent  and 
feeling  of  a  preacher,  and  when  neither  is  manifested, 
had  he  eyes  of  observation,  he  might  witness  their 
contempt  and  his  own  disgrace. 

Prisons,  and  new  settlements,  which  frequently 
abound  with  infidels,  and  persons  who  disregard 
divine  ordinances,  are  the  last  places  which  should 
be  visited  by  those  weak  things  of  the  world  which 
are  of  little  use  in  well-informed  societies.  A  weak 
man  may  minister  to  a  church  already  established, 
but  a  weak  missionary  will  not  commonly  assemble 
the  outcasts,  and  awe  the  profane. 

December  28^. 
ON  Thursday  last,  I  visited  fifty  sick  persons  in 
the  Almshouse  ;  on  Friday,  four  wards  in  the  Hos- 
pital ;  and   to-day,  five  poor  families.     In  one,  to 

which  I  went  at  the  request  of  Mrs.  B n,  was 

found  a  young  widow  with  two  small  children,  who 
said,  "  when  I  look  upon  my  babes,  nature  cries  life, 
life;  but  I  can  resign  them  to  God,  for  he  is  a 
merciful  God."  Her  conversation  was  all  of  this 
inscription,  and  exquisitely  tender. 

December  30/ft, 
MANY  ministers  of  the  word  have  visited  a  man, 
who  is  now  in  confinement,  under  sentence  of  death, 
and  who  is  to  be  executed  in  a  few  days.  He  said 
to  me,  "  many  m  .  e  me  to  declare  that  I  am  confi- 
dent of  pardon,  but  I  cannot,  I  will  not  say  any 
such  thing.  I  cw*  only  s  y,  that  I  submit  myself 
to  the  will  of  God,  having  some  feeble  hope  that  he 
20  * 


•234 

will  accept  me  as  righteous  for  the  sake  of  Christ, 
and  make  me  happy  in  heaven." 

The  history  of  this  man  is  short.  He  was  bom 
in  Scotland,  was  a  baker  by  profession,  and  remov* 
ed  to  this  country  with  his  wife.  She  became  in 
temperate  in  the  use  of  ardent  spirits,  and  squander- 
ed his  earnings.  They  quarrelled,  and  he  forsook 
her.  A  shock  of  the  palsy  disabled  him,  and  then, 
for  his  maintenance,  he  began  to  peddle  small  books, 
songs,  and  pictures.  He  took  a  housekeeper,  with 
whom  he  lived  unlawfully,  who  was  a  drunkard,  no 
less  titan  his  wife.  His  new  trade  and  company 
made  him  a  tippler  also.  On  the  morning  of  the  fatal 
deed,  he  arose  at  five  o'clock,  went  to  a  neighbour- 
ing dram-shop,  drank  freely,  returned  home,  and 
went  to  bed.  At  seven  o'clock  he  awoke,  and  found 
that  his  concubine,  who  had  been  out,  drunken,  all 
night,  had  returned  and  plundered  his  pocket.  She 
too  had  taken  her  morning  draught,  and  was  insensi- 
ble beside  him.  In  his  fury  he  arose,  "  half  drunk- 
en, but  more  mad,"  as  he  confessed  to  me,  and 
with  a  stick  gave  her  the  blows  which  were  followed 
by  death. 

When  Sinclair  and  Johnson  were  about  to  be 
executed,  last  January,  this  man  was  selling  near 
Bridewell,  the  "  last  words  and  dying  speeches  of 
the  criminals,"  made  by  the  p  inter,  with  a  picture 
of  the  same  gallows  to  which  the  law's  of  God  and 
his  country  require  him  to  come. 

"  — —  — —  Around  the  bed  of  loose  desire, 
For  ever  hover  wild,  tumultuous  dreams  ; 
Some  vengeful  brother  wills  the  duel  dire, 
The  ghost  of  some  Uefloured  woman  screams  : 


235 

Some  chaste  "Lucina,  butcher'd,  bleeding  lies, 
"While  angry  Justice  whets  her  fiaming  sword  ; 
By  treachery  stabb'd  some  worthier  rival  dies, 
And  the  grim  hangman  knots  the  shameful  cord." 

W.  M.  Johnson 


December  31st- 
INSANITY. 

"  Yon  shiv'ring  wretch,  (whose  pale  and  squalid  form, 
"  Which  streaming  rags  o'erhang,  but  not  infold, 
"  Seems  mounting  on  the  wild  wing  of  the  storm, 
**  Worn  to  a  ghost  by  hunger,  thirst,  and  cold,) 

"  Two  little  years  ago,  could  boast  a  bloom. 

tl  That  might  with  Hebe's  or  Hvgeia's  vie  ; 

"  Content  and  pleasure  made  that  breast  their  home 

"  That  now,  so  bare  and  purple,  braves  the  sky.'* 

W.  M.  Johnson's  M  S. 

HAVING  brought  my  journal  to  the  last  day  of 
the  year,  I  propose  to  conclude  it,  by  giving  a  short 
history  of  several  insane  persons,  whom  I  have 
seen,  in  different  situations.  Where  I  have  seen 
them,  will  not  always  be  said ;  nor  can  it  be  a  mat- 
ter of  much  consequence  to  the  reader ;  but  upon 
the  fidelity  of  my  representations  may  be  placed 
firm  reliance.  What  I  have  seen  J  must  believe, 
and  what  I  shall  write  from  the  testimony  of  others, 
is  from  such  credible  witnesses,  that  I  am  firmly 
convinced  of  its  truth,  and  nothing  may  be  thought 
a  fiction. 

Who  does  not  pity  the  "  shiv'ring  wretch,"  who 
is  lost  to  himself  and  society  ?  What  can  have  pro- 
duced his  insanity  ?  To  give  a  medical  dissertation 
on  this  subject,  were  it  in  my  power,  would  not 


236 

be  my  province ;  but  to  treat  of  several  mora! 
causes  of  mental  derangement,  may  subserve  the  in- 
terests of  humanity  and  religion.  Misconduct  is  more 
commonly  the  predisposing  cause  to  madness  than 
any  inevitable  providence.  A  blow  on  the  head,  a 
fever,  intense  heat,  coup  de  soldi,  and  lunar  changes, 
may  affect  the  brain  and  whole  nervous  system,  but 
intemperance  in  drink,  Inordinate  attachments,  and 
vicious  indulgences,  are  the  most  common  sources  of 
mental  disorder.  That  person  who  yields  himself 
to  any  inordinate  passion,  exposes  his  rational  facul- 
ties. Avarice,  lust,  infidelity,  and  imprudence,  are 
the  prolific  causes  of  more  than  half  that  disorder 
which  bears  various  names,  under  its  different  ap- 
pearances, from  a  wild  imagination  to  family. 

The  love  of  money,  when  inordinate,  is  "  a  root 
of  evil."  I  have  known  a  young  woman,  who  lost 
twenty  dollars  in  the  street,  which  she  could  not 
find  ;  and,  after  a  few  days  of  anxiety  on  the  sub. 
ject,  became  a  maniac.  It  was  a  large  sum,  indeed, 
to  her ;  but  would  any  person,  who  duly  estimated 
the  value,  of  gold  and  silver,  become  a  bedlamite  for 
such  a  paltry  consideration  ?  Yet  this  young  wo- 
man was  so  frantic  as  to  jump  out  of  a  chamber  win- 
dow, and  died  in  a  week.  While  we  pity  her,  we 
cannot  but  exclaim, 

"  Curs'd  gold  !  how  high  will  daring  mortals  rise 
In  ev'r;  guilt,  to  reach  the  glittering  prize  ?" 

Pjtt, 

The  love  of  country  is  commendable,  but  when 
Unrestrained,  it  is  madness.     From  this  cause  I  have 


237 

seen  a  German,  who  stands  on  this  side  the  Atlantic, 
and  converses  from  morning  till  evening  with  the 
people  of  Germany.  He  doubts  not  but  they  hear, 
and  he,  in  return,  is  perfectly  apprised  of  their  an- 
swers. 

Another  man  I  know,  who  marches  up  to  every 
stranger,  whom  he  is  permitted  to  see,  with  the 
brim  of  his  hat  folded  under,  before  and  behind, 
to  make  it  resemble  a  military  cap,  and  putting  his 
crooked  finger  into  his  mouth,  gives  a  tremendous 
whistle.  The  stranger  will  naturally  tremble,  but 
there  is  no  danger  ;  for  the  young  man,  tall  and  ma- 
jestic, even  in  rags  and  filth,  is  one  of 

"  Rough  nature's  children,  humorous  as  she.'' 

He  was  one  who  took  some  part  in  what  is 
called  "  the  late  rebellion  in  Ireland,"  and  found 
it  necessary  to  escape  for  his  life  to  America. 
From  some,  who  knew  him  at  home,  we  learn,  that 
he  was  a  reputable  farmer.  Now  he  wishes  to  talk 
about  the  blood-thirsty  fellows,  who  caught  him  by 
the  throat ;  from  whom  he  fled ;  but  more  particular- 
ly, about  the  people  of  Kilkenny,  his  neighbours, 
his  father's  farm,  and  "  uncle  Patrick  over  the 
way."  He  insists  upon  it,  that  he  knew  me  there, 
and  had  letters  from  me,  which  he  still  preserves. 
In  this  country  he  was  disappointed,  and,  "  the 
green  little  Isle  of  the  Ocean"  was  so  connected 
with  all  his  affections,  that  they  with  his  reason  have 
returned  to  it,  and  left  nothing  but  the  erect  animal 
in  America. 

Let  us  learn  then,  not  to  love  the  place  of  our  na- 


238 

iivity  or  any  prosperous  condition  supremely,  lest 
our  souls,  being  wedded  to  earth,  should  be  involved 
in  her  final  ruin,  and  beholding  her  vanish,  should 
say,  «  we  have  lost  all." 

To  prevent  confusion,  I  shall  introduce  several 
distinct  articles  ;  and  the  first  will  exhibit  the  danger 
of  yielding  to 

VICIOUS  COMPANY. 

A  young  Irishman,  not  long  ago,  left  a  wife  and 
child,  whom  he  tenderly  regarded,  in  the  land  of  his 
fathers,  and  came  to  this  country  to  improve  his  con- 
dition. His  family  he  left  behind,  because  he  could 
pay  for  only  one  passage,  and  knew  not  how  he 
should  succeed  in  America.  Here  he  found  con- 
stant employment,  and  resolved  to  remove  his  fami- 
ly, so  soon  as  he  could  send  them  sufficient  money 
to  discharge  their  necessary  expenses  on  the  voyage. 
He  earned  twenty  dollars,  and  delivered  into  the 
hands  of  his  uncle  the  same  sum,  that  it  might  be 
preserved  in  safety.  In  a  few  months,  he  cleared  by 
his  labour  fifty  dollars  more,  and  then  took  the  seven- 
ty,  to  deliver  to  a  captain,  who  bad  engaged  to  bring 
him  his  partner  and  child.  He  was  on  his  way  to 
the  ship,  with  all  his  property  in  hi3  pocket,  when 
he  met  some  of  his  jovial  countrymen,  to  whom,  with 
the  frankness  of  his  nation,  he  told  his  good  fortune. 
They  enticed  him  into  a  common  grog-shcp ;  and  he 
in  his  prosperity  began  to  treat  them.  In  return 
they  made  him  drink.  The  social  whisky  went 
round,  and  round  again,  until  the  unfortunate  young 


239 

mail  sunk  down  in  slumber  on  the  floor,  In  the 
morning  he  awoke,  chiding  himself  for  his  folly; 
and  here  his  misery  commenced.  He  felt  in  his 
pockets  for  his  money  ;  but  it  was  in  vain.  His  se- 
"ducers  and  his  money  were  gone  together.  He 
had  nothing  to  remit  to  his  wife ;  his  courage  was 
gone ;  and  after  walking  the  streets  a  few  days  in 
melancholy,  he  became  a  maniac.  A  course  of  medi- 
cine cured  his  raving,  but  left  him  in  a  state  of  fatu- 
ity. Now  he  cares  nothing  for  the  friends  he  once 
loved,  nothing  for  bis  wife,  nothing  for  his  child ;  and 
will  probably  die  in  stupidity.  Such  were  the  re- 
sults of  yielding  to  vicious  company,  for  a  night. 
These  sons  of  Hibernia  are  some  of  the  noblest,  or 
some  of  the  vilest  of  men.  Their  love  of  company 
is  one  of  their  greatest  temptations.  Could  their  hos- 
pitality here,  command  nothing  more  than  the  hard, 
but  welcome  fare  of  Erin,  it  would  be  productive  of 
little  evil ;  but  in  America,  one  who  would  give  his 
guest  a  potatoe  in  Ireland,  gives  him  "  a  mug,  stiff, 
and  far  to  the  north  ;"  a  besotting,  deadly  dram. 

THE  CURSE  OF  AVARICE. 

THE  subject  of  this  article,  whose  history  is  a 
comment  upon  the  caption,  is  an  aged  woman,  who 
is  now  dependent  on  alms  for  subsistence.  Once, 
she  had  friends  and  possessions,  leased  several  hous- 
es, and  lived  in  affluence.  She  was  single,  and,  in 
middle  age,  avarice  became  her  predominant  passion. 
After  an  ominous  course  of  extortion,  a  quarter-day 
arrived,  on  which  she  sallied  forth  to  collect  rente. 


240 

Among  her  tenants,  she  found  a  woman,  that  held 
in  her  arms  a  child  of  fourteen  days.  The  husband 
of  this  mother  was  a  worthless  man,  but  she  had 
been  hitherto  punctual  in  payments  ;  and  would  now 
have  been  had  she  not  been  subject  to  unusual  ex- 
penditures. When  the  griping  landlady  called,  the 
poor  woman  was  unable  to  leave  her  bed. 

"  Pay  me  that  thou  owest,"  said  the  maiden  lady. 

u  Wait  a  little  while,  and  I  will  pay  thee  all," 
said  the  tenant,  and  plead  the  peculiarity  of  her  ch> 
cumstances,  to  one  who  could  not  feel  for  the  mother 
of  babes,  that  are  worse  than  fatherless  while  the 
father   lives.     Payment   the   owner  of   the   house 
would  have ;  and  payment  she  did  have  ;  for  when 
she  took  the  bed  from  under  the  sick  mother  to  sell 
it  at  auction,  the  child  of  sorrow,  the  mother  in  an- 
guish said,  "  may  you  never  again  sleep  on  a  bed 
while  you  live."     This  was  probably  uttered  with 
no  pious  emotion,  but,   in  the  issue,  it  appears  to 
have  been  a  curse   which  took  effect ;  for  the  per- 
son against  whom  it  was  fulminated  has  never  since 
slept   on    any   other   bed  than  the  floor.      After 
that  unhappy  day,  her  conscience  smote  her,  and 
at  first  she  could  not  sleep  any  where.     Afterwards 
she  refused  to  make  the  attempt  on  any  bed,  and 
for  many  years,  even  to  this  day,  accepts  of  nothing 
but  a  blanket  and  the  floor. 

Her  intellectual  faculties  became  disordered,  and 
her  property  was  soon  dispersed.  Although  her 
reason  has  forsaken  her,  yet  her  pride  has  not.  Suit- 
able clothing  is  offered  her,  but  she  will  not  receive 
it,  because  she  was  "  not  accustomed  to  such  attired* 


241 

I  have  seen  her  bare-foot  in  the  midst  of  winter,  be 
cause  she  could  not  obtain  kid  shoes  and  silk  stocks 
ings ;  and  she  is  always  bare-headed  in  the  rain  and 
sunshine,  because  she  wants  a  tasty  bonnet.  She 
will  wear  a  fine  calico  gown,  until  it  is  all  tattered  to 
shivers ;  even  in  the  winter,  when  it  no  more  than 
half  covers  her  body,  to  the  rejection  of  warm  but 
coarse  woolen  garments. 

"  ■  — — —  — —  A  tatter'd  apron  hides, 

'*  Worn  as  a  cloak,  and  hardly  hides,  a  gown 
"  More  tatter'd  still  ;  and  both  but  ill  conceal 
"  A  bosom  heav'd  with  never-ceasing  sighs." 

Her  delirium  is  not,  however,  so  well  calculated  to 
excite  sympathy  as  that  of  Cowper's  Crazy  Kate. 
In  her  ornaments  she  is  still  fantastic ;  for  having 
slit  her  ears  down  repeatedly  with  ponderous  rings, 
like  the  hoops  which  were  lately  in  vogue,  she  now 
ties  twine  to  her  ears,  and  suspends  brass  baubles 
from  the  flaxen  thread.  Neither  entreaty  nor  force 
can  change  her  habits.  The  curse  of  avarice  has 
entered  into  that  heart,  which  once  nurtured  the 
demon ;  it  pervades  the  life ;  and  is  likely  to  be 
lasting  as  futurity, 

DISAPPOINTMENTS. 

A  young  lady,  the  daughter  of  a  judge,  had  high 
expectations  from  her  father's  affluence  and  her  own 
personal  accomplishments.  She  was  caressed  by 
many  friends,  and  had  not  anticipated  adversity. 
It  came,  however,  and  found  her  supremely  attached 
21 


242 

to  perishable  objects.  Her  father's  property  took 
wings,  and  in  the  place  of  flattering  attentions,  came 
neglect.  It  was  more  than  her  mind  could  endure. 
She  became  disconsolate  ;  madness  followed;  fatuity 
succeeded,  and  a  dysentery  closed  the  mortal  scene. 
1  have  seen  her  seated  in  a  window,  where  she  would 
remain  silent  the  livelong  day ;  and,  unless  charity 
had  forbidden,  would  have  remained  the  livelong 
night.  Her  large  blue  eyes  were  intensely  fixed  ou 
nothing  visible  to  rational  beings,  and  she  refused  to 
speak.  Sad,  indeed,  was  her  love  of  splendour  and 
affluence  !  The  change  which  she  experienced  was 
mortifying  to  vanity ;  but  more  humbling  to  humani- 
ty was  the  effect  of  disappointment. 

A  similar  instance  of  insanity  I  have  seen,  in  a 
young  man,  who,  for  several  years,  was  particular  in 
his  attentions  to  one  of  the  most  pleasing  maids  of 
his  native  village.  She  apparently  reciprocated  his 
fondness  ;  but  before  his  financial  concerns  would 
permit  him  to  enter  the  state  of  wedlock,  the  brisk 
young  captain  of  a  ship  saw  the  betrothed  virgin, 
and  by  his  money,  or  ardour,  or  something  else, 
made  such  an  impression  on  her  heart  as  to  efface 
the  image  of  her  first  lover.  The  damsel  was  mar- 
ried to  the  last,  the  favourite  suitor,  and  the  first  lost 
his  reason.  This  disappointment  was  too  heavy  for 
him  ;  for  he  had  idolized  a  woman,  and  when  his  god 
was  taken  away,  what  had  he  left  for  his  consolation  ? 
He  became  a  strange  unhappy  being  from  the  day 
of  his  disappointment.  Not  long  after  his  insanity 
became  confirmed,  he  got  off  his  brother's  vessel 
from  the  wharf,  and  was  going  out  to  sea  ^ith  the 


tide.  The  pilots  came  along  side  of  him,  anjj  de- 
manded what  hands  were  on  board.  He  said  lie 
had  a  mate  below.  They  insisted  on  seeing  him, 
and  behold,  the  maniac  brought  up  on  deck  his  cat, 
which  wras  his  mate,  and  the  only  companion  of  his 
intended  voyage.  To  prevent  him  from  performing 
similar  actions,  his  friends  have  put  him  into  a  stale 
of  confinement,  where  he  has  all  the  blessings  which 
one  in  his  condition  is  able  to  receive. 

A  third  case  of  disappointment,  which  I  shall  slate, 
is  that  of  a  blooming  young  woman,  who  married 
an  aged  man,  from  the  hope  of  enjoying  his  afflu- 
ence. After  marriage  she  found  the  scrutoire  lock- 
ed against  her,  and  instead  of  indulging  herself  in  the 
elegancies  of  society,  she  was  forced  to  live  economi- 
cally. This  would  have  been  a  small  trial  to  one 
who  married  from  affection,  but  it  drove  her  to  such 
madness,  that,  to  be  revenged  on  his  parsimony,  she 
would  sand  her  floor  with  Indian  sugar.  With  a  babe 
in  her  arms,  she  has  fled  from  her  husband,  and  with 
bare  feet  has  travelled  in  a  cold  night  ten  or  twelve 
miles.  Who  can  be  happy  in  the  matrimonial 
union  ? 

"  Not  sordid  souls  of  earthly  mould, 

"  Who,  drawn  by  kindred  charms  of  gold, 

"  To  dull  embraces  move  : 
"  So  two  rich  mountains  of  Peru 
91  May  rush  to  wealthy  marriage  toe, 

"  And  make  a  world  of  love.'* 

Watts. 

None  but  fools  despise  money ;  but  matrimony 
requires  some  other  foundation. 

A  fourth   instance  of  insanity,  from  disappoint- 


L'44 

ment,  may  be  found  in  the  person  of  a  stately  French*, 
man ;  who  was  a  planter  in  one  of  the  West-Indian 
Islands.  He  was  in  affluence,,  but  lost  his  estate  by 
the  misconduct  of  a  commercial  partner.  Being 
dissatisfied  with  his  situation,  he  removed  to  one  of 
the  largest  cities  in  the  United  States,  and  opened 
a  hat-store,  but  did  not  prosper  in  his  new  business.. 
Disappointment  upon  disappointment  made  him  de- 
jected. He  could  not  associate  with  such  company 
as  he  had  been  familiar  with  ;  and  the  strange  notion 
came  into  his  head,  that  the  citizens  thought  him  black. 
To  rectify  their  unfavourable  opinion,  on  this  subject, 
he  took  down  his  sign,  and  made  an  improvement 
npon  it,  by  painting  the  word  white,  before  his 
name.  This  however  did  not  obviate  the  difficulty, 
for,  according  to  his  imagination,  every  person  still 
thought  him  black.  His  delirium  increased,  and  he 
forsook  his  shop  to  rove  the  sire  ts.  All  the  scraps 
of  wraste  paper  which  he  could  find  he  thought  were 
checks,  or  bank  notes.  With  these  he  frequented 
the  custom-house  and  banks  of  the  city ;  until  the 
clerks,  to  be  rid  of  this  troublesome  merchant,  allow- 
ed him  to  make  deposits,  and  gave  him  in  return 
strips  of  paper,  with  such  marks  and  signatures  as 
little  children  make,  when  they  first  write  letters  to 
their  companions.  Property  of  this  description  he 
accumulated,  until  he  was  worth,  in  his  estimation, 
(judging  as  many  great  men  estimate  paper,)  the  sum 
of  several  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

This  unexampled  prosperity  did  not  diminish  his 
hatred  of  those,  who  had  defrauded  him,  or  of  those 
who  thought  him  black.    I  have  seen  him  in  the 


245 

streets,  loaded  with  paper,  and  swollen  with  rage. 
To  cure  him  if  possible  and  keep  him  from  mischief, 
he  was  conveyed  to  an  asylum ;  but  the  faculty  have 
not  been  able  to 

•*  minister  to  a  mind  diseas'd  ; 

"  Pluck  from  the  memory  a  rooted  sorrow  ; 
"  Raze  out  the  written  troubles  of  the  brain  ; 
"  And  with  some  sweet  oblivious  antidote 
"  Cleanse  the  foul  bosom  of  that  perilous  stuff 
"  Which  weighs  upon  the  heart." 

A  tall  country  girl,  of  good  figure  and  agreeable 
manners,  presents  a  fifth  case.  In  childhood  she  was 
first  among  her  school-mates,  and  although  her  pa- 
rents were  poor,  yet  they  were  reputable,  and  asso- 
ciated with  the  first  families  of  the  town.  She  was 
bred  to  the  trade  of  a  mantua-maker,  and  excelled  in 
her  profession.  Her  good  sense,  gracefulness,  and 
industry,  procured  her,  when  marriageable,  the  ad- 
dresses of  some  of  the  most  flourishing  young  far- 
mers of  the  neighbourhood.  Several  offers  of  mar- 
riage were  so  flattering  to  her  vanity,  that  she  pre- 
sumed to  think,  that  she  could  command  any  alli- 
ance, (an  imagination  very  common  to  the  gay  and 
prosperous,)  and  therefore  the  young  men  of  her  vil- 
lage were  allowed  tp  sue  and  be  rejected.  In  the 
midst  of  this  career  of  coquetry,  a  rich  uncle  visited 
her  father,  and  was  pleased  with  the  fine  person  and 
agreeable  conversation  of  his  niece.  "  The  <nrJ  was 
made,"  said  he,  "  for  something  more  than  a  seam- 
stress." This  the  young  lady  believed  to  be  sound 
doctrine.  The  uncle  proposed  to  adopt  her,  to  take 
her  to  his  place  of  residence,  and  to  establish  her  in 
a  shop  of  jewellery.  The  proposal  was  no  sooner 
21   * 


246 

made  than  accepted.  She  was  furnished,  in  a  large 
city,  with  a  fine  assortment  of  jewellery,  and  for  a 
time  shone  with  the  splendour  of  a  princess.  Her 
fondest  wishes  were  gratified ;  but  her  head  was  not 
in  a  right  condition  for  calculations.  She  could  more 
easily  count  the  profits  of  a  day's  labour,  than  the 
loss  and  gain  upon  a  box  of  golden  ornaments.  She 
became  a  bankrupt ;  and  in  consequence  of  the  cha- 
grin and  vexation  which  she  experienced,  a  lunatic. 
Her  uncle  could  not  manage  her,  for  she  had  now  be- 
come a  princess,  owned  immense  possessions,  and  could 
not  move  without  a  retinue.  He  sent  her  back  to 
her  father;  but  she  could  not  live  with  a  poor  man, 
She  thought,  and  still  thinks,  herself  the  mistress  of 
coaches,  castles,  and  palaces.  Her  form  is  still  erect, 
•*nd  her  manner  studiously  dignified.  She  is  in  con- 
iinement ;  but  her  abode  is  her  palace,  and  all  the 
maniacs  are  her  servants.  For  a  long  time  she  re- 
fused to  do  any  manner  of  work,  and  would  go  na- 
ked in  preference  to  wearing  a  coarse  dress.  She 
was  disciplined,  however,  with  the  shower-bath ;  and 
In  making  her  own  garments,  proves  that  she  has  not 
forgotten  the  use  of  her  needle. 

A  gentleman  saw  her  making  a  shirt,  and  said, 
"  are  you  at  work,  then  ?" 

«  O  no,  Sir,"  was  her  reply,  "  J  was  sewing  a 
little  fine  work  to  absorb  the  perspiration  of  my  fin- 
gers" 

Every  thing  is  said  and  done  by  her  in  the  same 

style.     Had  she  a  few  thousands,  yearly,  possibly 

i^ht  net  conduct  more  like  an  insane  person 


247 

than  many  other  splendid  and  extravagant  daughters 
of  pleasure. 

The  last  person  to  whom  I  shall  allude  under  this 
head,  resembles  crazy  Kate. 

"  There  often  wanders  one,  whom  better  days 

"  Saw  better  clad,  in  cloak  of  sattin  trimm'd 

*  With  lace,  and  hat  with  splendid  ribband  bound, 

t{  A  serving  maid  was  she,  and  fell  in  love 

"  With  one  who  left  her,  went  to  sea,  and  died, 

**  Her  fancy  follow'd  him  through  foaming  waves 

"  To  distant  shores  ;  and  she  would  sit  and  weep 

*'  At  what  a  sailor  suffers  ;  fancy,  too, 

*'  Delusive  most  where  warmest  wishes  are, 

4C  Would  oft  anticipate  his  glad  return, 

"  And  dream  of  transports  she  was  not  to  know. 

*'  She  heard  the  doleful  tidings  of  his  death, 

"  And  never  smil'd  again  !"  

Eliza  was  a  sort  of  servant  maid  and  apprentice 
to  an  older  sister,  who  is  a  milliner.  A  young  sailor 
visited  her,  and  she  loved  him ;  but  the  sister  pre- 
vented a  match.  This  disappointment  made  the 
young  maid  insane.  She  has  left  raving ;  but  stupi- 
dity is  now  seated  on  her  Grecian  face ;  and,  in  lieu 
of  every  other  enjoyment,  she  is  obliged  to  content 
herself  with  taking  snuff,  from  morning  until  even- 
ing Her  eye  is  black,  her  hair  dark,  and  the  up- 
per part  of  her  face  is  a  bland  mixture  of  white  and 
red,  over  which  a  faint  smile  flits,  when  her  lover  is 
spoken  of;  but  from  the  nose  down,  there  is  nothing, 
but  the  yellow  Scotch  ornament. 

All  she  desires,  is,  "  to  go  home  ;  for  then  some- 
body who  came  to  see  somebody,  would  come  again 


248 

to  see  some  of  their  folks ;  and  she  should  see  him ; 
but  he  would  not  come  to  see  her." 

Poor  thing!  Her  sorrows  should  warn  friend* 
and  relatives  not  to  interfere,  when  young  persons 
are  disposed  prudently  to  connect  themselves  with 
partners  of  their  own  grade  in  society.  The  poor 
as  well  as  the  rich  have  liberty  to  marry,  and  verily, 
it  is  no  disgrace,  to  manifest  by  practice,  that  we 
accord  with  the  divine  opinion,  which  decides,  that 
"  it  is  not  good  for  man  to  be  alone."  Some,  who 
are  unequal  in  many  items,  may  upon  the  whole  be 
equally  yoked  together. 

"  In  such  a  world,  so  thorny,  and  where  none 

* '  Find  happiness  unblighted  ;  or,  if  found, 

"  Without  some  thistly  sorrow  at  its  side, 

"  It  seems  the  part  of  wisdom,  and  no  sin 

"  Against  the  law  of  love,  to  measure  lots 

u  With  less  distinguish'd  than  ourselves  ;  that  thus 

"  We  may  with  patience  bear  our  mod'rate  ills, 

"  And  sympathise  with  others,  sufFring  more." 

Thus  the  exquisite  poet  Cowper  sung,  who  loved- 
in  early  life. one  of  humble  circumstances,  and  possi- 
bly might  have  been  saved  from  long  years  of  mad- 
ness, had  not  the  pride  of  his  relatives  interfered  with 
Ms  partialities. 

One  less  distinguish?  d  I  could  love,  indeed, 
But  one  whom  less  deserving  I  esteem'd, 
Could  never  be  the  partner  of  my  joys, 
Could  never  share  the  half  of  my  full  soul,- 
Nor  mitigate  the  pangs  of  mortal  grief. 


249 


DRUNKENNESS. 

MORE  than  half  of  the  persons  whom  I  have 
seen  insane,  were  brought  into  that  state  by  an  in- 
temperate use  of  ardent  spirits.  It  will  be  sufficient, 
under  this  head,  to  state  one  instance. 

J.  P ,   an    Englishman,  a  dresser  of  mo- 

Focco-leather,  had  been  accustomed  to  malt  liquors  in 
his  native  country ;  but  in  America  found  ardent 
spirits  cheap  and  much  in  fashion.  He  was  indus- 
trious, and,  it  is  said,  more  skilful  in  his  line  of  busi- 
ness than  any  other  person  in  this  city.  He  was 
young,  and  when  in  company,  was  prevailed  on  to 
imitate  his  companions  in  "  drinking  deep."  In 
consequence  of  one  night's  excess  he  became  raving 
mad,  and  continued  in  that  state  for  a  long  time. 
When  the  physician  had  succeeded  in  restoring  his 
reason,  he  taught  the  young  man  what  to  expect 
from  future  misconduct,  and  solemnly  warned  him 
to  drink  no  more  spirits.  Admonition,  and  sad  ex- 
perience, however,  were  ineffectual.  In  three  weeks 
after  his  first  restoration,  he  drank  again  to  excess, 
and  did  not  regain  his  reason  in  less  than  eighteen 
months.  When  insane,  he  was  full  of  fear,  and 
would  start  like  a  giddy  horse,  at  almost  every  ob- 
ject. A  second  time  he  was  cured,  and  very  wisely 
took  his  departure  from  tins  country  for  the  land  of 
good  malt  liquor. 


2.50 


NOVELS. 

NOT  for  the  sake  of  disquisition  on  romance,  ab- 
surdity, and  the  favourite  books  of  many  gentlemen, 
as  well  as  ladies  of  little  thought,  is  this  article  intro- 
duced ;  but  to  state  a  fact,  which  may  prove  a  salu- 
tary warning  to  such  persons  as  cannot  read  the 
scriptures  for  an  hour,  but  having  perused  a  novel 
all  day,  carry  it  to  bed  for  their  entertainment  by 
night. 

I  have  seen  a  young  lady,  whose  eyes  seem  to 
flash  fire,  and  whuse  tongue  is  never  silent.  She 
sings  songs  with  enthusiasm,  and  can  scarcely  be 
dissuaded  by  any  thing,  but  a  desire  to  give  and  re- 
ceive compliments,  from  giving  twenty  love-ditties 
in  succession.  Her  animation"  increases  until  the 
soft  voice  becomes  a  savage  yell;  and  the  eye, 
which  sparkled  with  delight,  is  suffused  with  an  un- 
meaning tear.  The  exertion  creates  an  increased 
action  of  the  blood,  unfavourable  to  recovery ;  but 
"  she  has  been  taught  that  she  must  display  her 
powers ;  she  must  gratify  the  gentlemen,  she  must 
please  the  ladies,"  and  it  is  neither  in  the  power,  nor 
commonly  in  the  disposition,  of  her  maniac  compan- 
ions, to  make  her  quiet ;  for  mad  persons  rarely  re- 
gard the  fancies  of  one  another.  I  have  often  ob- 
served that  those,  who  are  anxious  for  conversation 
with  rational  visitants,  will  not  deign  to  speak  to 
their  miserable  associates?  because,  forsooth,  «  they 


251 

=are  crazy  f"      I  have  been  led  about  by  a  crazy 
young  man,  of  liberal  education,   amongst  a  host 
of  lunatics,  and  he  would  tell  me  the  peculiar  turn  of 
each  one's  mind  with  much  self-complacency.     He 
would  not  speak  to  them,  for  "  they  are  mad." 
"  But  what's  the  matter  with  you  ?" 
"  Nothing  at. all,  Sir!     My  friends  are  crazy,  and 
have  taken  it  into  their  heads,  that  I  am  out  of  my 
wits,  and  so  have  confin'd  me."     Like  this  young 
man,  superior  to  the  society  of  bedlamites,  all  the 
deranged  females  hear  the  songster,  but  seem  not  to 
hear ;  for  they  despise  her  affectation. 

The  cause  of  her  derangement  was  an  excessive 
attachment  to  novels.     She  read  them  incessantly, 
and  rejoiced  at  pleasures,  which  were  never  experi- 
enced ;  or  wept  for  griefs,  which  were  never  endur- 
ed.    What  once  was  called  sensibility  in  her,  be- 
came nervous  irritability ;  and  like  Don  Quixote,  she 
believed  the  absurdest  fiction  to  be  sober  verity.     A 
young  gentleman  of  undoubted  veracity  informed 
me,  that  he  saw  her  reading  a  few  days  before  her 
-senses  quite  forsook  her,  when  she  knew  nothing 
that  happened  in  the  same  room  where  she  was,  un- 
less some  one  touched  her  with  the  hand,  while  he 
pronounced  her  name  with  his  lips.     She  sat  in  the 
room  with  her  mother  and  sister,  but  she  heard  not 
their   conversation :    a   stranger   entered,   but    her 
whole  attention  was  absorded  by  the  history  of  some 
perfect  lover  and  angelic   heroine.     Shortly  after, 
she  began  to  roam  the  city,  and  could  find  shady 
bowers,  meandering  rivulets,  melodious  groves,   a^d 
captivating  admirers,  as  easily  as  the  knight  of  La 
- 


252 

Mancha  discovered  giants,  and  armies  of  opponents 
in  chivalry. 

IMPRUDENCE  IN  READING. 

AN  apprentice  to  a  baker  was  fond  of  reading ; 
and  accustomed  himself,  from  the  want  of  a  candle 
to  read  by  the  light  emitted  from  a  bed  of  coals, 
which  had  been  swept  from  the  oven.  In  bending 
forward  he  gave  the  blood  in  his  system  an  unnatural 
tendency  to  the  head,  and  this,  with  the  heat  to 
which  his  brain  was  exposed,  induced  delirium. 
After  a  considerable  season  of  singing,  dancing,  and 
wild  excess,  he  was  reduced  to  composure.  The 
powers  of  his  mind  have  suffered  material  injury, 
and  his  love  of  books  is  entirely  destroyed.  It  has 
happened  to  him,  as  it  does  to  many,  that  since  his 
recovery,  he  is  too  fond  of  the  maddening  draught. 
This,  in  many  cases,  is  either  a  physical  evil  pro- 
duced by  the  previous  treatment,  or  it  results  from 
the  loss  of  that  mental  discernment  and  caution 
which  kept  them  from  too  free  indulsnence  before 
their  faculties  were  disordered.  The  subject  of  this 
article  is  about  twenty  years  old,  and  is  in  great 
danger  of  a  relapse.  A  little  imprudence  may 
cause  a  life  of  madness. 

This  instance  should  warn  others,  and  especially 
children,  who,  m  a  fit  of  industry,  read  by  the  light 
of  a  fire.  To  read  in  the  twilight,  before  it  is  suffi- 
ciently dark  to  require  a  lamp,  is  injurious ;  for  those 
who  have  attempted  it  must  know,  that  it  requires  a 


253 

painful  effort,  not  only  of  the  optical  organs,  but  oi* 
the  mind. 

The  most  studious  and  busy  ought  to  devote 
some  time  to  reflection ;  and  what  part  of  the  day 
is  more  suitable  than  that,  in  which  all  nature  seems 
putting  off  her  robes  of  light  to  retire  for  the  night? 
In  that  hour,  men  should  think  without  notes,  and 
pray  without  book. 

SLAVERY. 

"  But  ah!  what  wish  can  prosper,  or  what  pray*;-, 

11  For  merchants  rich  in  cargoes  of  despair, 

"  Who  drive  a  loathsome  traffic,  gage  and  span, 

"   And  buy,  the  muscles  and  the  hones  of  man  ? 

"  The  tender  ties-of  father,  husband,  friend, 

•*  All  bonds  of  nature  in  that  moment  end  ; 

"  And  each  eudures,  while  yet  he  draws  his  breath, 

"  A  stroke,  as  fatal  as  the  scythe  of  death." 

COWPER. 

That  slavery  should  produce  insanity,  where  the 
heart  is  not  dead  to  feeling,  might  naturally  be  ex- 
pected. I  could  state  several  cases  under  this  head, 
but  shall  be  satisfied  with  two. 

The  first  is  that  of  a  young  African,  who  with 
his  brother  was  stolen  a  few  years  ago,  and  brought 
to  the  United  States,  where  both  were  sold  to  a 
cruel  master.  The  one,  of  which  I  write,  made  his 
escape  from  bondage,  and  after  great  anxiety  and 
privations,  arrived  in  the  city  of  New-York.  Here 
he  was  young,  friendless,  aud  under  constant  fear  of 
being  pursued  by  his  owner.  The  dread  of  being 
again  reduced  to  hard  servitude  operated  so  powerful- 
ly on  his  mind  as  to  produce  insanity.  After  a  confine 


-254 

uient  of  many  months,  he  has  become  tolerably  ra- 
tional, loves  to  be  trusted,  and  performs  any  confi- 
dential duty  with  fidelity.  He  lives,  however,  in 
fear  of  slavery,  and  the  apprehension  of  it,  at  times, 
renders  him  almost  frantic.  It  is  a  singular  fact? 
that  during  his  derangement,  he  would  assist  in  re- 
ducing a  white  maniac  to  obedience,  but  could  never 
be  persuaded  to  hold,  or  bind  a  frantic  fellow  of  his 
own  complexion.  That  he  should  dislike  all  white 
men  is  very  natural. 

w  O,  'tis  a  godlike  privilege  to  save ! 

"  And  he  that  scorns  it  is  himself  a  slave/' 

The  second  case  must  excite  compassion  for  the 
maniac,  and  abhorrence  of  the  vice  of  her  master. 
Last  summer  her  temporal  sorrows  were  terminated ; 
but  should  that  fashionable  gentleman,  who  will  re- 
cognize his  own  features  in  the  lines  of  this  memoir, 
feel  some  shame  for  his  iniquity,  when  he  finds  his 
baseness  made  public,  I  shall  not  repent  the  dis- 
closure. 

The  young  woman,  of  whom  I  speak,  was  a  Cre- 
ole,  of  that  mixed  complexion,  which  is  very  com- 
mon in  the  southern  section  of  our  country ;  and 
the  property  of  a  West-Indian  planter.  Her  form 
was  of  surprising  beauty,  and,  had  her  face  been 
white,  few  females  could  have  eclipsed  her  personal 
glory.  Her  master  kept  her  for  his  mistress,  and 
paid  her  such  kind  attentions  as  a  sensualist  may, 
to  pamper  his  own  insatiable  concupiscence.  Igno- 
rant of  all  religious  principles  as  himself,  she  felt 
no  compunction,  but  rather  rejoiced  in  her  exalte- 


256 

tion  above  the  lot  of  common  servants.  The  plan 
ter,  not  long  since  removed  from  his  plantations  to 
one  of  the  United  States,  and  brought  this  female 
with  him,  that  she  might  continue  to  administer  to 
his  licentiousness.  Here  he  found,  however,  that 
the  state  of  society,  corrupt  as  it  is,  would  not  ad- 
mit of  his  familiarity  with  a  Creole  slave.  There 
are  fashions  in  lust ;  and  the  honourable  monster  in 
society  must  live  as  the  fashions  direct.  Far  to  the 
south,  fashion  admits  of  a  downright  black  for  a 
concubine ;  but  in  the  north,  he  may  openly  mam- 
tain,  without  being  excluded  from  genteel  company, 
as  many  prostitutes  as  he  pleases,  provided  no  one 
of  them  be  tinged  with  the  dye  of  Ethiopia. 

To  conform  to  custom  the  planter  determined  to 
maintain  the  morality  of  northern  bloods,  and  there* 
fore  concluded  to  put  away  his  favourite.  What  to 
do  he  could  not  easily  decide,  but  finally  he  com- 
municated to  her  his  intention  of  selling  her.  His 
neglect,  and  the  fear  of  slavery,  under  any  other 
circumstances  than  those  to  which  she  had  been  ac- 
customed, produced  raving,  and  confirmed  insanity. 
Vain  were  all  attempts  to  make  her  sane  again. 
This  was  more  than  simple  purchasing  and  selling 
of  human  blood  and  bone.  It  was  pollution,  seduc- 
tion, cruelty,  and  death. 

t(  IWf  slav'ry  ! —  virtue  dreads  it  a3  her  grave  : 

"  Patience  itself  is  meanness  in  a  slave. 

f§  Or,  if  the  will  and  sov'reignty  of  God 

M  Bid  suffer  it  awhile,  and  kiss  the  rod, 

"  Wait  for  the  dawning  of  a  brighter  day, 

vf^  And  snap  the  chain  the  moment  when  you  may. 

"  Nature  imprints  upon  whate'er  we  see, 

v<  That  has  a  heart  and  life  in  it—  Be  free  I" 


256 


INCONTINENCE! 

TVo  instances  of  insanity  which  have  come  under 
iny  observation,  have  been  caused  by  the  inconti- 
nence of  husbands. 

An  honest,  sober,  industrious  Irish  woman,  with 
her  husband,  came  to  this  country,  and,  by  selling 
•  he  milk  of  a  few  cows,  obtained  comfortable  suste- 
nance. They  lived  harmoniously,  and  she  was  the 
mother  of  several  children.  What  could  disturb  their* 
peace,  and  destroy  their  union  ?  A  wicked  woman, 
an  artful,  persuasive  wretch  gained  the  silly  heart 
of  the  husband.  He  was  caught  in  the  net  of  the  en- 
chantress, and  the  snare  of  the  fowler.  With  his 
children  and  the  adulteress  he  fled  from  his  injured 
wife.  Her  heart  had  been  bound  up  in  the  welfare 
of  her  partner  and  children.  Poor  Rose  !  She  went 
mad. 

It  was  no  consolation  to  her,  that  she  had  a  com- 
panion  of  similar  sorrows,  in  the  person  of  a  bloom- 
ing young  woman,  who  married  a  son  of  Neptune. 
She  was  enterprising,  and  kept  a  boarding  house  to 
augment  the  funds  of  the  family.  Her  husband,  the 
sailor,  was  kind,  when  at  home,  and  what  was  his 
conduct  in  foreign  ports  she  knew  not.  The  imme- 
diate cause  of  the  madness  of  this  female  was  a  vio- 
lation of  the  seventh  commandment,  by  her  partner. 
A  sister,  younger  than  herself,  Was  taken  into  their 
family  for  protection ;  for  she  was  an  orphan  ;  and 
the  young  man  attempted  with  too  fatal  success,  her 


257 

destruction.     This  dispersed  the  family,  and  from 
grief  of  heart  the  married  sister  became  insane. 

What  became  of  the  younger  sister  ? 

Her  seducer  went  to  sea,  and  she  was  kept  by  a 
married  man,  whose  intercourse  with  her,  caused  his 
own  wife  to  become  insane.  Here  was  line  upon  line, 
and  curse  upon  curse.  Well  saith  the  scriptures, 
"  Keep  thee  from  the  evil  woman,  from  the  flattery 
of  the  tongue  of  a  strange  woman. — For  by  means 
of  a  whorish  woman  a  man  is  brought  to  a  piece  of 
bread ;  and  the  adulteress  will  hunt  for  the  precious 
life." 

Another  instance  of  insanity  is  traced  to  the  in- 
continence of  the  guilty  person.  She  was  seduced 
and  went  to  London  to  make  merchandize  of  herself, 
with  more  readiness  than  in  any  other  place.  Here 
she  kept  a  house  of  ill  fame ;  and  after  having  been 
in  New-gate  once,  stole  a  watch  and  handkerchief 
from  a  gentleman,  who  spent  the  night  in  her  abode. 
The  next  day  she  sold  them  at  a  broker's  shop,  and 
was  arrested.  What  a  pity  it  is,  that  any  who  vo- 
luntarily become  the  companions  of  a  raging  lioness 
should  be  protected  by  the  civil  arm  !  Her  visitant 
had  his  revenge.  She  says  that  she  put  her  fingers 
into  his  watch-pocket,  and  the  trinket  stuck  to  them  ; 
for  which  the  honourable  judges  sent  her  to  New- 
South  Wales.  After  remaining  there  for  some  time, 
she  found  a  gallant  who  stole  her  away  and  brought  her 
to  New-York.  Here  she  lived  with  him,  until  her 
excesive  lewdness  produced  madness.  She  admits 
that  she  has  been  "  out  of  her  head,  in  consequence 
of  jealousy. "  Her  complaint  has  been  of  long  con- 
22  * 


258 

trnuance.  For  months  she  has  thought  herself  the 
blessed  Trinity,  all  things  past,  present,  and  to  come, 
and  at  the  same  time,  the  devil.  These  imagina- 
tions gave  her  inconceivable  distress.  After  she  had 
told  me  all  this,  with  great  agony,  and  with  utter  ab- 
horrence of  all  who  doubted  the  truth  of  her  asser- 
tions, she  affirmed,  that  she  proceeded  from  the 
Father,  but  was,  at  the  same  time  the  Father,  the 
Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  because  she  would 
not  marry  the  Father,  he  was  perpetually  tormenting 
her.  She  conceived  that  her  flesh  was  incessantly 
torn  from  her,  by  red  hot  pincers,  and  was  renewed 
again,  to  prepare  her  for  endless  torments.  At  this 
time,  she  was,  indeed,  the  picture  of  a  damned  im- 
mortal. Her  imaginations  and  tortures  change,  but 
she  is  incurable. 

Under  this  head  I  might  describe, 

A  wretched  female,  who  says  that  she  was  born  in 
Ihe  yellow  house,  at  Stonington;  who  thinks  that 
devils  are  filling  her  body  with  pins  and  skewers ; 
who  can  tell  the  history,  name,  and  place  of  residence 
of  every  person  whom  she  sees,  and  who  believes  that 
all  things  are  supported  by  her  prayers : 

A  wretched  female,  who  was  once  beautiful ;  who  liv- 
ed in  splendour ;  who  has  become  more  insensible  than 
the  brutes ;  but  who  was  once  the  mistress  of  that 
fallen  man,  whose  hands  still  bear  the  stain  of  mur- 
der : 

A  more  miserable  French  girl  ;.more  miserable  be- 
cause now  rational,  but  unhappy,  whom  I  have  heard 
sing  with  the  sweetest  voice,  while  she  played  a  melt- 


259 

ing  air  upon  her  guitar,  with  all  the  soul  of  melan- 
choly, in  the  cool  of  evening : 

But  I  for  bear.     Sad  victim  of  seduction ! 

"  She  sat  beneath  the  birchen  tree, 
."  Her  elbow  resting  on  her  knee  ; 
"  She  had  withdrawn  the  fatal  shaft, 
"  And  gaz'd  on-  it,  and  feebly  laugh'd." 

Had  it  been  possible,  the  feeling  heart  would  have 
given  assistance,  and  gladly  would  have  restored  per- 
manent tranquillity. 

"  Stranger,  it  i«  in  vain  !"  she  cried. 
"  This  hour  of  death  has  given  me  more 
■*  Of  reason's  power  than  years  before  ; 
"  For  as  these  ebbing  veins  decay 
"  My  frenzied  visions  fade  away. 
**  A  helpless  injured  wretch  I  die  V" 

Scott. 

THE  MANIAC'S  CREED. 

One  of  whom  I  had  heard,  called  to  see  me  in  & 
chamber  where  I  was  writing.  I  did  not  know  his 
person,  and  therefore  when  a  stranger,  respectable  in 
appearance,  of  light  complexion  and  pleasant  coun- 
tenance, made  his  appearance,  I  thrust  aside  my  pa- 
per, and  formally  gave  him  a  seat.  He  is  a  man  of 
middle  stature,  of  a  short  neck,  and  full  habit,  who 
made  me  this  visit.  With  all  the  deliberation  of  two 
philosophers  we  entered  into  conversation,  and  he 
soon  made  some  observations,  which  induced  me  to 
resume  the  pen,  that  I  might  render  permanent  the 
maniac's  creed.  He  was  rot  displeased  at  it,  but 
said,  "  you  are  welcome  to  record  the  past,  but  I 


26f 

must  object  to  your  penning  any  thing  which  I  shall 
communicate  concerning  the  future." 

"  Let  me  beg  the  favour  of  your  name  then,  Sir," 
I  said,  and  with  a  placid  face  he  began : 

"  People  call  me  Little  John.  This  is  a  nickname, 
which  a  friend  in  Ireland  gave  me,  to  go  to  bed  by ; 
and  which  I  have  kept,  to  give  to  my  many  children, 
who  bear  that  name  :  but  if  the  truth  was  known,  I 
am  Abel  of  old,  the  son  of  Adam." 

Here  I  demanded  how  this  could  be,  when  the 
scriptures  inform  us,  that  Cain  killed  Abel  many 
thousand  years  ago, 

"  Oh !  the  Bible  has  committed  many  such  mis- 
takes, as  I  know  by  my  own  experience ;  for  I  am  that 
identical  Abel,  and  his  brother  only  apparently  kill- 
ed him.  After  that  affair,  I  appeared  under  the  form 
of  Joseph  the  son  of  Jacob,  but  was  Abel  and  Jo- 
seph too." 

"  Did  your  brethren,"  I  asked,  "  sell  you ;  and  was 
you  actually  sold  in  Egypt  ?" 

"  Oh !  no !  there  the  Bible  is  in  an  error  again  ; 
for  I  was  only  confined  awhile  in  the  iron  mines  in 
Scotland.  Joseph's  brethren  never  did  sell  him  in- 
to Egypt :  I  know  they  did  not,  for  I  am  that  Jo- 
seph, and  should  not  I  know  ?" 

"  Joseph,  however,  died  in  Egypt." 

"  Ah  !  I  appeared  to  die ;  but  did  not,  for  I  was 
afterwards  Job,  the  patriarch.  You  see  that  I  am  a 
fat  man,  with  a  short  neck.  That's  the  reason,  Sir* 
that  Job  in  the  primer  is  always  represented  as  a 
short,  thick  little  fellow." 

*  But  tell  nie>  where  was  you  born?" 


261 

"Why,  I  have  had  different  bodily  forms  ;  but  my 
present  body  was  born  of  a  Dutch  father,  and  a  sort 
of  a  Yankee  mother,  in  Pennsylvania." 

In  like  manner  he  lived  in  the  old  French  war, 
and  in  the  late  revolution,  and  perfectly  remembers 
every  event,  which  any  one  can  state  from  history. 
He  is  really  not  more  than  forty  years  of  age,  and  I 
told  him  so ;  but  very  deliberately  he  went  to  work, 
to  prove  his  assertions  true,  by  his  own  conscious- 
ness and  memory.  He  has  a  wife  and  several  chil- 
dren. He  had  propertv,  but  was  defrauded  by  wick- 
ed neighbours,  and  this  calamity,  together  with  his 
deism,  reduced  him  to  his  present  condition.  I  told 
him  I  should  like  to  know  his  religious  sentiments,  if 
he  was  willing  to  state  them,  when  he  began  with, 

"  I  believe  in  God,  but  not  in  Jesus  Christ.  A 
Trhity  without  him,  if  there  is  one,  make  quite 
enough  persons.  The  story  about  him  came  from 
the  practice  of  a  printer's  boy,  who  with  wooden  cuts, 
used  to  print  an  image  of  God,  and  represent  a  man 
seated  at  his  right  hand.     This  was  all  idolatry. 

"  I  believe  that  God  lends  men  a  part  of  himself 
to  work  righteousness  with  ;  and  for  any  man  to  go  to 
church,  pay  his  footing  there,  and  defraud  no  body, 
is  as  good  a  job  as  he  can  do  for  his  soul." 

Here  I  desired  to  know  what  he  intended  by  pay- 
ing his  footing  in  church.  He  said,  "when  a  man 
steps  upon  the  floor  of  the  church,  he  helps  to  dirty 
it,  and  if  he  pays  enough  to  enable  the  door-keeper  to 
wash  after  him,  he  pays  his  footing  there ;  which  I 
always  did."     Then  he  proceeded  in  his  creed. 

"  I  believe  there  is  such  a  place  as  heaven,  where 


262 

all  these  righteous  persons  will  be  happy.  The  wick 
ed  will  never  get  there.  I  believe  there  is  no  such 
place  as  hell,  although  there  might  be ;  for  'tis  not 
impossible  that  such  a  place  should  exist.  Those 
who  do  not  get  to  heaven,  will  enter  into  the  ser- 
vice of  everlasting  vanity.  That  will  be  their  pun- 
ishment. 

"  Finally,  I  belive  that  my  wife  will  go  to  heaven, 
because  she  has  raised  a  likely  family  of  children,  and 
that's  all  a  woman  has  to  do." 

Thus  ended  his  creed.  He  was  serious  through 
the  whole  statement,  and  persisted  in  assuring  me 
that  he  should  never  die.  These  things  he  constant 
!y  affirms. 

This  creed  is  humbly  submitted  to  the  Arian  and 
Socinian  teachers  in  America.  Relinquishing  in  fa- 
vour of  this,  their  hostility  to  confessions  in  general, 
it  is  to  be  expected  that  they  will  adopt  it ;  and  since 
they  deliver  the  doctrines  of  Little  John,  they  will 
do  him  the  honour,  so  soon  as  their  college  shall  be 
convened,  to  confer  on  him  the  degree  of  Doctor 
of  Divinity, 

Alas !  for  the  cradle  of  the  sons  of  the  Pilgrims ! 

THE  PUNISHMENT  OF  INFIDELITY. 

THE  subject  of  this  last  memoir  was  a  native  of 

L I ,   of   reputable   family,    and    of 

Presbyterian  parentage.  In  childhood  he  was  re- 
ligiously educated,  and  in  youth  was  moral  in  his 
habits.  When  he  became  a  young  man  he  read  the 
productions  of  Voltaire  and  other  infidel  writers. 


263 

Their  sentiments  were  congenial  to  his  feelings,  and 
taught  him  to  reason  against  the  authenticity  and  in- 
spiration of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  In  consequence 
of  his  new  illumination,  he  discovered  that  public 
worship  was  useless,  and  of  course  absented  himself 
from  the  place  where  prayer  is  wont  to  be  made* 
His  sabbaths  were  spent  at  his  father's  house,  which 
was  a  tavern,  in  the  common  business  of  the  week ; 
and  all  times  were  alike  to  him.  He  was  a  punctual 
and  prudent  man  in  all  pecuniary  transactions,  and 
as  a  neighbour  was  highly  respected  by  the  inhabit- 
ants  of  his  native  village. 

"When  about  thirty  five  years  of  age,  he  was  in 
the  habit  of  exporting  produce  to  the  West-Indies  ; 
and  went  in  person,  almost  every  summer,  to  carry 
on  the  traffick^to  advantage.     Previous  to  one  of 

his  voyages,  he  visited  a  Mrs.  C 11,  at  R — y,  who 

who  is  unusually  pious.  He  was  frequently  a  visitor 
at  the  house  of  this  good  woman  ;  but  on  this  visit, 
which  was  in  the  summer,  he  was  accompanied  by  a 
man,  whose  opinions  corresponded  with  his  own. 
They  did  not  hesitate  to  disclose  their  views  of  the 
word   of  God,  a   future   state,  and  divine   things. 

Mrs.  C 11  said,  concluding  her  argument  with 

them,  that  she  hoped  they  would  think  differently 
before  it  was  too  late. 

"  It  will  never  be  too  late,"  rejoined  the  Deists* 
"  for  any  but  cowards  !" 

In  the  autumn  after  this  conversation,  H u 

the  Deist,  of  whom  I  write,  set  sail  with  his  produce 
for  a  southern  market.  While  he  was  absent,  his 
unbelieving  friend  was  attacked  with  mortal  disease. 


264 

and  shuddered  at  the  thought  of  meeting  a  holy 
God  in  judgment.  He  expressed  his  great  anxiety, 
and   in   a^ony  of   mind   renounced   his   delusions. 

He  died.     On   the  return  of  H n,  the  pious 

woman  made  him  acquainted  with  the  circumstances 
of  his  friend's  departure  from  this  life,  with  the  de- 
sire of  impressing  on  his  conscience  the  necessity  of 
preparing   to   appear   before   God,  the  Just  One. 

All   that   H n  would  say,  however,  was  this : 

"  I  am  sorry  that  my  friend  died  like  a  coward." 

After  this  admonition,  for  the  space  of  two  years, 
the  mind  of  this  unhappy  man  found  little  quietude. 
He  disputed,  sometimes  less  against  Christianity 
than  formerly;  and  sometimes  more,  with  greater 
bitterness.  On  his  passage  homeward  in  his  last 
voyage,  his  soul  was  like  the  troubled  sea;  and, 
when  he  was  in  the  midst  of  his  marine  path,  a 
storm  descended  heavily  upon  the  ship.  At  a 
particular  hour,  during  this  tempest,  he  entertained  a 
persuasion,  for  which  he  could  not  account,  that  his 
mother  was  dying  ;  and  even  observed  the  time  by 
his  watch  when  he  thought  that  she  gave  up  her 
spirit.     It  is  not  for  me  to  account  for  such  mental 

impressions  as  I  have  no  doufyt  H n  actually 

felt*.     Let  me  simply  state  the  fact.  On  his  arrival 

•  On  the  9th  of  June,  1812,  that  classical  schplar,  that  elo- 
quent orator,  and  that  amiable  man,  the  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Buckmin- 
ster,  of  Boston,  died.  On  this  same  day,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Buckmin- 
stei',  who  had  not  heard  of  his  son's  sickness,  and  who  could  not 
have  had  any  communication  by  human  means,  said  to  hi»*wife, 
"  my  dear,  Joseph  is  dead."  She  replied  that  he  could  not  know 
£hat,  and  his  persuasion  must  have  arisen  from  his  fond  anxiety. 


265 

at  home  he  found  his  mother  dead.  lie  told  his 
friends  what  had  been  his  presentiment ;  and  at 
what  hour  he  thought  she  breathed  her  last  breath. 
It  proved,  so  nearly  as  the  family  could  remember, 
that  she  actually  died  on  the  same  day,  and  in  the 
course  of  the  same  hour,  which  he  designated. 
What  renders  this  event  more  remarkable  is  this, 
that  the  mother  was  taken  away  in  perfect  health. 
She  was  eating,  and  some  food  entering  the  larynx, 
prevented  any  future  respiration. 

The  mind  of  H n,  from  this  time,  became 

habitually  gloomy.  He  felt  himself  guilty  and 
wretched,  but  did  not  believe  in  Christ,  the  way  to 
pardon,  peace  of  conscience,  consolation  in  tribula- 
tion, and  everlasting  felicity.  The  depression  of 
his  soul  soon  became  so  great,  that  reason  was  * 
banished  from  the  seat  of  her  dominion.  In  a 
frantic  state  of  mind  he  stabbed  his  niece,  whom  he 
tenderly  loved,  because  he  loved  her,  and  was  ap- 
prehensive that  she  would  starve.  Three  times  he 
attempted  to  hang  himself,  before  he  was  brought  to 
an  asylum.  Once  he  had  suspended  himself  in  the 
barn,  and  was,  at  the  moment  of  suspension,  disco- 
vered by  one,'who  held  him  up,  until  he  was  deli- 
vered from  the  rope.     Once  he  hung  himself  to  a 

He  persisted  in  saying  that  he  knew  that  his  son  had  in  that  very 
hour  expired.  This  proved  to  have  been  the  fact,  and  on  the 
next  day,  the  father,  a  most  tender  father,  and  eminent  minister  ef 
the  Lord  Jesii3  Christ,  entered  into  his  eternal  rest.  Many  simi- 
lar cases  might  be  supported  by  indisputable  evidence.  Cannot 
he  who  formed  the  mind  communicate  directly  information,  with- 
out the  intervention  of  the  senses  ? 

23 


2S6 

hook  in  the  ceiling,  but  that  having  become  rust}-, 
broke,  and  left  him  on  the  floor.  At  the  third  at- 
tempt he  could  command  only  a  handkerchief  and 
the  upper  corner  of  a  door,  from  which  he  was  pro- 
truded by  involuntary  struggling,  before  suffocation 
took  place.  Finally  he  was  brought  to  a  benevolent 
Institution  with  his  throat  cut ;  and  was  prevented, 
for  a  time,  from  intruding  into  the  presence  of  his 
Judge. 

After  his  wounds  were  perfectly  healed,  I  convers- 
ed with  him  on  religious  subjects,  and  he  was  per- 
fectly rational,  until  the  principles,  to  which  he  had 
assented,  were  applied  to  his  own  case. 

"  God  is  able  and  willing  to  save  unto  the  utter- 
most all  who  come  unto  him." 

"  That  is  unquestionable,'5  he  would  answer. 

"  Then  he  is  able  and  willing  to  save  you." 

<c  Oh!  no!  there  are  exceptions  to  all  general 
rules ;  and  God  is  a  sovereign  :  he  will  not  save  me : 
for,  I  have  been  such  a  sinner,  that  God  is  miserable 
while  I  am  out  of  misery.  I  ought  to  suffer.  It  is 
my  duty  to  suffer  for  ever."  This  was  the  train  of 
iris  thought,  and  he  appeared  to  court  misery,  be- 
cause it  was  his  duty  to  suffer,  that  the  glory  of 
God  might  be  promoted.  Indeed,  if  there  is  any 
such  thing  as  a  desire  to  be  damned  for  the  glory  of 
God,  as  some  writers  assert,  H n  certainly  pos- 
sessed that  grace ;  but  it  was  only  in  a  state  of  in- 
sanity, and  indescribable  misery.  To  perform  his 
duty,  he  refused  to  shave,  and  for  a  long  time  en- 
deavoured to  starve  himself.  Finally  he  became 
quite  resigned,  and  said  he  would  permit  the  Lord 


:267 

^j  puiiisii  him,  as  much  as  he  pleased,  without  in- 
creasing the  torment  by  his  own  abstemiousness  and 
self-denying  inventions.  The  black  man,  who  as- 
sisted  in  putting  him  into  the  shower  bath,  he  con- 
ceived to  be  the  devil ;  and  imagined  that  he  was  to 
stand  naked,  and  have  cold  drops  of  water  fafl  on 
him  through  eternity.  He  lived  in  continual  dread 
of  being  everlastingly  afflicted  with  vile  distempers ; 
and  from  day  to  day,  proclaimed  that  to-morrow  he 
should  be  in  hell. 

When  he- was  favoured  with  a  partial  respite  from 
his  horrors,  he  would  read  the  Bible,  until  he  came 
to  something  which  he  did  not  understand.  Then 
he  would  ask  explanations  of  his  keeper,  and  if  his 
remarks  were  unsatisfactory,  would  cast  down  the 
book  with  indignation,  beause  it  was  incomprehensi- 
ble. 

Sometimes  H — n  would  indulge  himself  for  a  few 
moments  in  cheerful  conversation,  and  then  sudden- 
ly check  himself,  and  revert  to  his  gloom,  saying. 
"  but  this  is  not  suitable  for  one  who  to-morrow  must 
commence  a  perpetuity  of  torment." 

Not  long  previous  to  his  death,  a  brother,  who 
had  been  confirmed  by  him  in  unbelief,  came  to  pay 
him  a  visit.  The  conversation  was  deeply  interest- 
ing and  solemn. 

"  Ben,  you  see  the  state  I  am  now  in ;  and  you 
know  how  I  was  brought  to  this  condition.  My  pre- 
sent agonies  are  unutterable,  and  what  must  dam- 
nation be  to  a  guilty  sinner?" 

M  O  fudge !  fudge,  John  !  Cheer  up  ;  doVt  make 
a  fool  of  yourself!  WJiy  should  you  trouble  your- 
self about  religion,  and  be  gloomy?" 


268 

"  Yes,  Ben,  I  have  made  a  fool  of  myself  by  lead- 
ing those  accursed  books,  and  despising  the  Bible. 
You  cannot  laugh  me  out  of  my  present  condition. 
You  know  that  I  am  miserable  now,  and  I  tell  you 
that  my  false  ideas  of  religion  have  produced  all  that 
suffering  which  you  witness.  Ben,  I  am  in  hell! 
O  be  warned  by  me !  You  cannot  teach  me  any 
thing  new  against  the  bible,  for  I  taught  you  all  the 
infidelity  which  you  know ;  but  if  this  was  my  last 
breath,  I  should  say  to  you,  "change  your  w  y  of 
thinking ;  for  your  present  plan  will  not  answer." 

In  this  strain  H — n  conversed  wrh  his  brothel' 
for  more  than  an  hour ;  but  after  all,  Ben  departed, 
saying,  "  Oh !  poh  !  John,  doVt  make  a  fool  of  your- 
self!"' 

One  week  before  the  death  of  H — n,  a  person  in 
the  next  room  hung  himself.  Some  conversation 
arose  from  this  case  between  H — n  and  his  keeper. 

K.  "  A  man  must  be  in  great  agony,  I  think,  and 
must  be  very  bold,  to  enter  uncalled  the  eternal 
world." 

H.  "  It  is  not  boldness,  but  cowardice  which 
tempts  men  to  destroy  their  own  lives.  Is  not  that 
man  a  coward,"  who  shrinks  from  the  common  lot  of 
humanity  ?  It  is  really  weakness,  to  kill  one's  self 
from  dread  of  calamity,  or  weight  of  temporal  suffer- 
ing. Men  ought  to  bear  life,  and  not  shrink  from 
petty  evils." 

Such  was  his  language,  and  no  one  supposed  that 
he  retained  a  thought  of  performing  the  action  which 
lie  condemned.  But  his  sufferings  he  deemed  unlike 
those  of  other  men.     His  were  the  agonies  of  one  a! 


239 

ready  damned,  who  must  suffer,  or  the  eternal  Judg^ 
would  suffer.  He  thought  God  was  in  misery  so 
long  as  he  was  out  of  hell.  In  an  hour,  therefore, 
when  nothing  was  apprehended,  he  made  fast  hi? 
cravat  to  the  grates  of  his  window,  and  while  his  back 
was  against  the  wall,  kneeled  down,  at  the  same  time 
bending  his  body  forward,  and  strangled  himself. 

"    Like  helpless  sailors  in  a  ship  on  fire, 

"  He  boldly  plung'd  to  shun  a  fate  more  dire." 

But,  alas !  who,  that  being  often  reproved  hard  > 
eneth  himself,  can  escape  everlasting  burnings  ? 
Must  we  not  say  concerning  many  who  imagine  that 
they  choose  the  most  favourable  alternative,  "  in  pre- 
fering  death  by  your  own  hands,  to  present  anguish, 
you  become  secure  of  hell  ?" 


"  — — — But  his  doom 

"  Reserv'd  him  to  more  wrath  ;  for  now  the  thought 

"  Both  of  lost  happiness  and  Listing  pain 

c<  Torments  him. ." 


70 


CONCLUSION. 

THE  mind  of  the  reader  has  now  been  conduct- 
ed through  many  scenes  of  poverty,  misery,  and 
madness ;  and  if  some  statements  should  be  deemed 
obnoxious  to  delicacy,  the  writer  makes  this  apolo- 
gy, that  some  persons  may  be  warned  by  the  record 
of  horrible  facts,  who  would  be  unmoved  at  common 
occurrences.  There  are  many  persons,  whose  feel- 
ings are  of  a  coarse  texture,  who  require  different 
treatment  from  that  which  would  be  adapted  to  gen- 
tle souls.  He  would  benefit  the  rough  as  well  as 
the  mild ;  and  the  former,  even  in  polite  circles,  are 
most  numerous.  The  writer  has  sincerely  attempt- 
ed to  avoid  such  allusions  as  produce  a  blush,  while 
his  first  aim  was  to  deter  those  thoughtless  persons 
from  vice,  who  are  most  liable  to  it;  and  if  any 
reader  should  be  conscious  that  he  is  not  too  delicate 
to  commit  gross  iniquity,  let  him  not  be  fastidious  in 
his  judgment  of  the  Journal. 

The  reader  who  has  gained  any  useful  infor- 
mation, may  congratulate  himself,  that  he  has  been  a 
witness  of  solemn  scenes,  without  experiencing  the 
actual  inconveniencies  of  one,  who  has  been  person- 
ally concerned  in  them.  It  is  easier  to  visit  the 
sick  by  proxy  than  in  person ;  and  it  must, be  more 
agreeable  to  gain  the  knowledge  of  some  facts,  by 
reading  than  by  actual  observation. 


271 

Since  he  has  ceased  to  record  the  occurrences  of 
the  day,  the  usual  services  of  the  stated  preacher 
have  been  performed.  Many  new  cases  of  convic- 
tion, and  apparent  penitence,  have  presented  them- 
selves ;  and  it  is  probable  that  the  Journal  of  one 
year,  with  few  alteratious,  would  describe  the  moral 
state  of  the  Hospital  and  Almshouse  for  every  year, 
in  which  the  same  religious  services  should  be  per- 
formed. 

To  those  who  have  contributed  to  the  support  of 
the  author,  he  presents  his  thanks ;  for  they  have 
made  him  their  almoner.  It  is  his  intention  to 
perform  in  future,  so  far  as  it  is  possible,  the  same 
sort  of  service  to  the  Hospital  and  Almshouse;  but 
for  many  reasons  which  he  would  not  wish  to  state, 
he  takes  this  opportunity  of  announcing  to  his 
friends  and  the  public,  that  all  subscriptions  in  his 
favour  shall  be  considered  null  from  the  1st  of 
January,  1812,  and  ever  after.  The  payment  of 
what  was  previously  due  will  in  no  case  be  demand- 
ed. 

He  cannot  refrain  from  expressing  a  firm  hope 
that  when  God  in  his  providence  shall  restore  pros- 
perity to  our  country,  if  not  before,  something  will 
be  done  to  render  the  maintenance  of  some  succes- 
sor in  his  office  permanent. 

The  instability  of  temporal  property  should  make 
those  who  possess  it,  willing  to  communicate  when 
duty  calls ;  and  beyond  a  question,  this  city,  more 
distinguished  for  religious  liberality  than  any  in  our 
country,  will  not  allow  posterity  to  say,  "  the  pub- 
lic Hospitals  and  Almshouses  of  Europe,  and  of 


27i! 

many  cities  in  the  United  States,  had  their  chap- 
lains ;  but  in  New- York  two  hundred  persons  died 
yearly  without  the  benefit  of  religious  instruction." 

In  the  course  of  two  years  some  of  the  subscribers 
have  been  reduced  from  affluence  to  poverty ;  and 
who  may  not  experience  disappointment  ?  Who 
may  not  be  brought  to  the  necessity  of  living  on 
public  bounty  ?  Who  on  his  bed  of  death  may  not 
be  thankful  for  a  visit  from  some  public  preacher  to 
the  poor  1 

What  father,  or  mother,  can  affirm,  that  the  chil- 
dren of  the  tenderest  affections  and  most  fond  pa- 
rental anxiety,  may  not  act  the  part  of  prodigals  ? 
Let  not  fastidiousness  prevent  guardians  from  giving 
timely  warning.  Let  thoughtless  young  people 
learn,  that  many  of  the  miserably  afflicted  beings 
with  whom  I  have  had  ministerial  intercourse,  were 
once  as  beautiful,  as  gay,  as  highly  favoured,  as  rich, 
and  prudent  as  themselves. 

The  lessons  which  might  be  taught,  and  which 
would  very  naturally  result  from  the  annals  of  the 
poor,  are  many.  I  could  wish  that  the  cases  of  in- 
sanity, particularly,  might  be  rendered  useful.  That 
some  appKcation  of  that  part  of  the  journal  may  be 
made,  I  shall  conclude  this  little  volume,  with 


273 


THE  MANIAC; 

A  SERMON, 

Delivered  at  the  Thursday  Lecture,  in  Boston', 
On  the  1 4th  of  September,  A.  D.  1809*, 

"  Thou  art  beside  thyself." Acts  26.  24. 

THE  learned  Paul  was  esteemed  a  maniac. 

Not,  however,  while  he  trusted  in  pharisaical  mo- 
rality for  justification ;  not  while  he  was  exceedingly- 
mad  against  the  humble,  benevolent  disciples  of 
Jesus,  and  persecuted  men,  women,  and  children, 
even  unto  strange  cities :  not  while  he  held  the 
clothes  of  those  who  stoned  Stephen,  for  preaching 
Christ  crucified,  and  with  eager  joy  consented  to 
his  death. 

All  this,  in  the  opinion  of  his  very  liberal  coun- 
trymen, was  wisdom,  moderation  and  Catholicism. 

The  charge  of  madness  was  brought  against  Paul 
for  delivering  a  sensible,  interesting  end  solemn  ad- 
dress ;  for  manifesting  that  same  spirit  which  induc- 
ed  Stephen  to   promulgate    Christianity,  seal  the 

*  Immediately  after  this  Sermon  was  delivered,  a  copy  of  it  for 
the  press  was  requested  by  many  reverend  gentlemen.  The  au. 
thor's  late  observations  on  maniacs  have  more  completely  con= 
vtneed  him  of  the  accuracy  of  his  sentiments,  which  he  then  de- 
livered ;  and  he  is  happy  now  to  oblige  many  friends,  by  present- 
ing them  with  the  discourse,  in  connexion  with  the  preceding- 
?ccount  of  insane  persons 


274 

truth  with  his  blood,  pray  for  his  enemies,  and  com 
mit  his  departing  soul  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  his  omni- 
present and  Almighty  Saviour. 

The  history  connected  with  our  text,  and  neces- 
sary to  the  elucidation  of  it,  is  this. 

Paul,  a  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  having  preached 
the  Gospel  to  the  Gentiles,  and  having  received  from 
many  of  the  newly  established  churches  charitable 
contributions,  for  the  relief  of  the  poor,  went  to 
Jerusalem,  bearing  gifts  for  his  own  nation.  The  af- 
flicted saints  were  fed,  clothed,  and  comforted,  by 
the  beneficence  of  the  Gentile  converts. 

But  many  of  the  Jews  were  enraged  against  Paul 
for  teaching,  as  they  supposed,  the  converted  hea- 
then to  forsake  the  law  of  Moses.  The  ancient 
ecclesiastical  establishments  they  thought  to  be  en- 
dangered by  the  foundation  of  a  new  Church^.  In- 
stigated by  resentment,  and  a  zeal  contrary  to  know- 
ledge, the  Scribes,  Pharisees,  and  friends  of  a  right- 
eousness without  faith  in  Christ,  came  upon  the  apos- 
tle in  the  temple,  and  would  have  assassinated  him 
for  heresy.  They  could  make  void  the  law  of  God 
by  their  traditions,  and  tolerate  every  error,  except 
that  of  attachment  to  the  doctrines  and  institutions 
of  Christianity. 

A  Roman  garrison,  which  was  stationed  in  a 
small  castle,  near  the  temple,  quelled  the  tumult, 
and  delivered  Paul  from  the  tribunal  of  an  enraged 
populace. 


*  Great  opposition  was  made  at  this  time  against  the  erection  of 
a  certain  new  Church  in  Boston. 


275 

Unwilling,  "however,  that  the  apostle  should  es* 
Cape  from  their  tender  mercies,  the  multitude  follow- 
ed the  soldiers,  who  were  conducting  him  to  the  cas- 
tle, and  exclaimed,  "  away  with  him  :  but  he  for- 
gave and  pitied  them  ;  he  obtained  liberty  of  speech, 
and  made  his  defence,  in  hope  of  their  conviction. 
Paul  declared  his  manner  of  life,  his  early  educa- 
tion, his  conversion  to  the  Christian  religion,  and 
the  reasons  of  his  preaching  the  Gospel  to  the  Gen- 
tiles. 

So  soon  as  he  spake  of  the  salvation  of  the  hea- 
then, the  Jews  were  wrought  up  to  madness,  and 
exclaimed  with  the  malevolence  and  fury  of  fiends, 
*:  Away  with  this  fellow  from  the  earth,  for  it  is  not 
fit  that  he  should  live." 

On  the  next  day,  the  chief  captain  of  the  Roman 
band  presented  Paul  before  the  sanhedrim,  where 
he  openly  avowed  that  he  preached  the  doctrines  of 
the  cross,  and  especially,  the  future  resurrection  of 
the  dead. 

This  excited  such  a  fierce  contest  between  the 
iwo  principal  Jewish  sects,  that  Paul  was  in  danger 
of  being  torn  asunder.  The  commander  of  the 
garrison  again  rescued  this  undaunted  minister  .of 
Jesus ;  and  to  preserve  his  life  against  the  attacks  of 
a  band  of  conspirators,  sent  him  under  a  strong 
guard  to  Csesarea.  In  that  place,  he  stood  before 
the  Roman  governor,  to  defend  himself  against  the 
malicious  accusations  of  his  countrymen. 

Before  Felix  he  reasoned  of  righteousness,  tem- 
perance, and  the  future  judgment,  with  such  effica- 


276 

cy,  that  a  proud,  adulterous  ruler,  trembled.     Was 
such  reasoning  a  proof  of  madness  ? 

Festus  succeeded  Felix  in  office,  and  before  this 
Roman  governor,  associated  with  King  Agrippa, 
the  apostle  Paul  espoused  and  vindicated  Christ's 
cause.  It  was  the  cause  nearest  his  heart.  It  was 
his  hope,  his  joy,  his  everlasting  salvation.  He  was 
not  ashamed  to  express  his  hope  ;  to  publish  his 
confidence  in  the  promises  of  God  made  to  the  fa- 
thers, concerning  the  Messiah  ;  and  to  reveal  his  ex- 
pectation of  a  future  resurrection,  when  Jesus  shall 
judge  the  world  in  righteousness.  He  relates  the 
history  of  his  miraculous  conversion,  and  proves 
himself  to  have  been  commissioned  by  Jesus  Christ, 
who  personally  appeared  to  him,  after  his  crucifixion, 
buryal,  re-animation,  and  ascension. 

Hear  the  conclusion  of  his  eloquent  defence. 

"  Whereupon,  O  king  Agrippa,  I  was  not  diso- 
"  bedient  to  the  heavenly  vision ;  but  showed  first 
u  unto  them  of  Damascus,  and  at  Jerusalem,  and 
"  throughout  all  the  coasts  of  Judea,  and  then  to 
«  the  Gentiles,  that  they  should  repent,  and  turn  to 
"  God,  and  do  works  meet  for  repentance.  For 
"  these  causes  the  Jews  caught  me  in  the  temple, 
Kl  and  went  about  to  kill  me.  Having,  however, 
"  obtained  help  of  God,  I  continue  unto  this  day, 
'"  witnessing  both  to  small  and  great,  saying  none 
"  other  things  than  those  which  Moses  and  the  pro- 
s' phets  did  say  should  come ;  that  Christ  should 
'<  suffer,  and  that  he  should  be  the  first  which 
«  should  rise  from  the  dead,  and  should  show  light 
«*  unto  the  people,  and  to  the  Gentiles.', 


27* 

What  was  irrational  in  this  discourse  ?  In  what 
respect  did  Paul  conduct  like  a  maniac  ?  He  had 
no  sooner  uttered  these  words,  than  Festus  exclaim* 
«d,  with  a  loud  voice,  "  Paul,  thou  art  beside  thy- 
self: much  learning  doth  make  thee  mad." 

Passion  did  not  dictate  the  reply;  "  I  am  not 
mad,  most  noble  Festus ;  but  speak  forth  the  wordr 
of  truth  and  soberness."  Judge  ye,  my  hearers, 
whether  Paul  or  Festus  was  beside  himself. 

To  king  Agrippa,  the  apostle  appealed  for  the 
truth  of  Avhat  he  said,  in  such  persuasive  and  con- 
vincing language,  that  the  proud  monarch,  forget- 
ting the  prejudices  of  Judaism,  confessed  to  the 
prisoner,  arraigned  at  his  bar,  "  almost  thou  per suad- 
est  me  to  be  a  Christian."  He  was  almost  inclined 
to  renounce  his  regal  honours  and  take  part  with 
the  persecuted  believers  in  Christ.  Was  such  rea- 
soning or  such  eloquence  the  indication  of  insani- 

Paul,  my  hearers,  is  not  the  only  Christian,  who 
has  been  charged  with  madness,  for  a  firm  and  spi- 
rited adherence  to  his  religious  principles  ;  nor  is 
Festus  the  only  accuser. 

In  many  places,  it  has  become  a  common  thing, 
for  the;  irreligious  to  say,  that  serious,  prayerful,  ac- 
tive believers  are  beside  themselves.  If  any  one  is 
anxious  to  know  the  way  of  salvation,  and  mourns 
in  spirit  for  his  past  transgressions,  he  is  pitied  by 
the  fashionable  unbelievers,  as  a  "  poor  creature," 
bereft  of  his  senses.  If  professing  Christians  act 
like  dying,  accountable  men,  and  speak,  either  frore 
the  pulpit,  or  in  the  private  circle,  as  sincere  person?, 


^?3 

who  befieve  religion  to  be  a  matter  of  infinite  con- 
sequence,  there  are  many  to  ridicule  them  as  "  wild 
enthusiasts.*'  Even  in  this  protestant  country, 
some  have  ascended  the  sacred  pulpit  to  proclaim, 
that  every  one  is  beside  himself,  "  is  a  fanatic,  or  a 
tool,  or  a  babbler  employed  by  some  self-created 
pope*,"  who  dares  to  assert,  that  God  was  in  Christ, 
manifest  in  the  flesh ;  that  Jesus  died,  to  save  sin- 
ners by  his  blood;  that  sinners  must  be  renewed  in 
disposition  by  the  Spirit  of  God;  that  the  finally 
impenitent  shall  die  accursed ;  and  that  every  be- 
liever shall  be  "  kept,  by  the  power  of  God,  through 
faith  unto  salvationf ."  So  absurd  is  the  language  of 
the  perfect  teacher,  sent  from  God,  now  esteemed, 
that  he  is  accounted  mad,  who  preaches,  that, 
&i  except  a  man  be  bom  agcdn%  he  cannot  enter  in- 
to the  kingdom  of  God.'*  In  shorty  every  profess- 
edly candid  theologist,  who  contends  for  liberty  of 
conscience,  which  was  never  denied  him,  and  em- 
braces all  errors  in  his  unbounded  charity,  excepting 
the  error  of  maintaining  with  christian  zeal  the  pure 
doctrines  of  Christianity,  will  say  to  the  spirit  of 
every  departed  Christian  father,  who  opposed  damn- 
ing lies,  <•  thou  wast  beside  thyself;"  and  to  every 
one  who  survives,  to  preach  Christ,  with  the  spirit 
of  the  puritans,  the  martyrs,  the  pious  reformers,  the 
apostles,  "  thou  art  mad." 

■>  *  la  the  audience  was  a  clergyman,  who  had  lately  used  this 
language  against  all  Calvinists. 

t  1  Pet.  1—5. 

±  A  Rev.  Dr.  was  present  who  had  pronounced  this  expres- 
sion too  indelicate  for  the  pulpit. 


279 

Paul  was  no  maniac.    It  was  Festus  who  was  mad. 

Those  who  scorn  the  lifeless  morality  of  formal- 
ists, and  preach  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  our  holy 
religion  ;  who  say  from  the  heart,  "  God  forbid  that 
I  should  glory  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesu- 
Christ,"  are  not  deprived  of  understanding.  They 
neither  ask  the  pity  of  their  opponents,  nor  deserve 
their  contempt*". 

Truth  constrains  me  to  retort  the  charge  of  insa- 
nity. 

Those  who  lightly  esteem  the  Rock  of  our  salva- 
tion, who  say  that  without  shedding  of  blood  there 
is  remission  of  sins ;  who  deny  the  Lord  who 
bought  them;  who  deride  the  work  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  yet  call  themselves  believers,  and  even 
Christian  ministers,  are  chargeable  with  lunacy* 
Every  impenitent  sinner  is  beside  himself. 


*  When  this  sentence  was  uttered  a  Rev.  Chauncean  and  So* 
einian  Universalist  was  seated  in  the  same  pulpit  with  the  author . 
Not  lung  previous  to  the  delivery  of  this  discourse,  this  gentleman 

dined  in  company  with  Dr.  K ,  a  Calvinist,  and  with  many 

Socinian  Teachers.     Dr.  K was  too  polite  to  commence  & 

controversy  at  the  social  board  ;  but  the  Socinian  gentlemen  gave 
him  many  thrusts,  which  he  did  not  attempt  to  parry,  because  u 
Calvinist  does  not  delight  to  draw  his  s;vord  against  those,  who 
attack  him  with  bodkin*.     Finally  the  Universalist  said,  "  Wei:. 

Dr-  K ,  I  sincerely  pity  the  poor  Calviniets  :  they  have  no" 

tiling  to  say  for  themselves." 

On  hearing  this  the  Calvinistic  Doctor  laid  down  his  knife  and 

fork,  saying,  "  Mr. ,  the  Culvinists  neither  ask  your  pity,  nor 

deserve  your  contempt.     You  had  much  better  reserve  them  for 

your  friends."     From  this  text.  Dr.  K —  :-roce<. 

Christ  to  the  whole  circle, 


2S0 

^  It  is  an  easy  thing,1"  you'  will  say,  "  for  the 
preacher  to  make  bold  assertions.  It  is  of  little 
avail  to  call  hard  names."  We  grant  this :  and 
<vish  it  to  be  considered  as  equally  true,  when  the 
defender  of  what  we  deem  heresy  calls  sound  doc- 
trine madness;  and  brands  Paul,  and  the  greater 
part  of  Christ's  ministers,  "  of  whom  the  world  was 
not  worthy, "  with  this  label ;  "  these  are  the  bigots, 
bedlamites,  and  off  scouring  of  creation" 

You  rationally  demand  proof  that  the  impenitent 
are  beside  themselves.  Will  you  suffer  me  to  in- 
troduce the  testimony  of  God  as  conclusive  upofi 
this  subject  ?  The  heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is  full 
of  evil,  and  madness  is  in  their  heart  while  they 
live"  This  is  said  of  every  one  who  is  not  "  creat- 
ed anew  in  Christ  Jesus."  Do  you  object  to  the 
divine  declaration,  (for  some  have  such  impudence  !) 
and  still  say,  <*  assertion  is  not  evidence  1" 

Come  then,  self-styled  friends  of  reason,  and  let 
us  trace  an  analogy  between  natural  maniacs,  and 
those  who  renounce  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  You 
profess  that  you  will  listen  to  reason,  while  you  dis- 
pute against  the  word  of  life. 

L  Maniacs  are  much  given  to  false  imaginations  : 
and  so  are  all  the  enemies  of  the  cross.  Beggars, 
deranged  in  intellect,  have  thought  themselves  no- 
blemen and  kings,  and  in  consequence  of  such  false 
ideas,  have  imagined  that  they  ought  to  receive  the 
respect  due  to  noble  personages. 

Others,  bereft  of  their  senses,  have  conceived 
rheir  best  friends  to  be  enemies,  or  have  thought 
themselves  poor,  wretched,  and  disconsolate,  while 


281 

# 

surrounded  by  affluence,  luxuries,  and  comforters. 
Some  lunatics  have  imagined  that  they  could  see 
spirits  in  the  air,  or  converse  with  the  dead  ;  others, 
that  they  were  favourite  prophets  of  the  Supreme 
Being  ;  that  they  were  ambassadors  of  peace  to  the 
contending  nations ;  that  they  were  sent  to  restore 
the  Jews,  or  act  as  God's  vicegerents  on  the  earth, 
Locke  speaks  of  maniacs,  who  imagined  that  their 
bodies  were  composed  of  glass,  and  who,  in  conse- 
quence of  this  delusion,  took  unceasing  pains  to 
preserve  their  limbs  from  accidents,  common  to  that 
brittle  substance.  In  fine,  lunatics  generally  ima- 
gine themselves  and  others  to  he,  what  they  are  ncl. 
This  is  precisely  the  case  with  impenitent,  unbe- 
lieving, unrenewed  sinners.  They  have  false  ima- 
ginations concerning  themselves,  god,  christ. 
and  the  adversary  of  souls.  They  flatter  them- 
selves that  ail  these  beings  are,  what  they  are  not. 

Often  the  wicked  imagine  themselves  the  chil- 
dren of  God,  while  they  are  sons  of  perdition. 
They  think  to  be  Christians,  without  having  that  be- 
lief of  the  heart,  which  is  essential  to  every  other 
christian  grace. 

They  are  holy,  and  prepared  for  heaven,  without 
regeneration,  sanctification,  or  one  single  exercise  of 
holiness.  They  imagine  themselves  in  the  way  to 
everlasting  life,  before  they  have  been-  turned  from 
darkness  to  light ;  while  their  feet  are  in  the  broad 
path  to  destruction ;  while  their  steps  take  hold  on 
hell.  They  claim  to  be  disciples  of  Jesus,  while 
they  know  not  his  voice,  while  they  refuse  to  ac- 
cept him  as  their  prophet  to  instruct,  their  priest 
24  *• 


282 

to  atone,  and  their  sovereign  to  rule  and  defend ; 
while  he  is  constantly  saying  in  his  word,  "  I  ac- 
knowledge you  not ;  depart  from  me,  ye  workers  of 
iniquity." 

God,  they  sometimes  deem  a  being  altogether 
like  themselves,  and  sometimes  one  as  capricious, 
fond,  stupid,  or  inanimate,  as  their  wicked  hearts 
choose  he  should  be. 

Now,  they  imagine  him  too  just  to  pardon  those 
»vhorn  they  hate  :  and  now,  again,  too  good  to  punish 
themselves,  everlastingly,  for  any  of  their  crimes. 
To  suit  their  present  purpose,  they  consider  him  as 
axbritrary  ;  and  to  please  another  fancy,  they  will  de- 
ny that  he  created  and  governs  the  universe  by  pre- 
ileterminate  counsel.  Jehovah  saith,  "my  counsel 
shall  stand,  and  I  will  do  all  my  pleasure,"  but  they 
eply,  "decree  is  fate  ;  why  then  find  fault?  Thy 
counsel  is  contingency;  or  human  agency  is  con- 
straint, and  divine  justice,  all  a  farce."  They  con- 
less  that  they  have  never  experienced  the  washing 
of  regeneration,  but  still  imagine  that  God  loves  them, 
while  they  are  the  abhorrence  of  his  eyes  ;  while  he 
is  angry  with  them  every  day,  and  proclaims  him- 
self a  "  God  of  vengeance,"  who  will  prove  a  "  con- 
suming fire." 

Concerning  Christ  their  imaginations  are  equally 
wild.  Some  of  the  impenitent  deem  him  an  im- 
postor, and  denying  the  Holy  Ghost  to  have  had 
supernatural  influence  in  his  conception,  impiously 
cdl  him  the  illegitimate  child  of  Mary.  Others,  of 
almost  equal  audacity,  afnrm,  contrary  to  the  word 
of  God,  that  he  was  the  actual  descendant  of  Jo- 


283 

seph.  Many  consent  that  Jesus  was  a  teacher  sent 
from  God,  but  doubt  his  perfection.  Others  ima- 
gine that  he  is  the  first  of  all  creatures  ;  and  others, 
that  he  is  nothing  more  than  a  very  good  man. 
Some  consider  him  as  destitute  of  a  human  soul, 
and  think  the  divinity  was  united  to  nothing  but  an 
animal  form.  Are  not  these  men  beside  themselves, 
when  the  holy  Scriptures  declare  Jesus  Christ  to 
be  "  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God;"  conceived  by 
the  Holy  Ghost ;  the  man  who  is  the  only  Mediator, 
and  God  with  us,  God  over  all,  the  only  wise  God, 
even  our  Father  ? 

What  seems  to  be  a  still  stronger  proof  of  insa- 
nity, is  the  mutual  coalescence  between  these  opposers 
of  the  true  character  of  Christ.  They  agree  to  re- 
ceive each  other  as  the  friends  of  Jesus,  and  enter- 
tain complacency  in  the  heresy  of  every  co-partner. 
They  deem  it  passing  strange,  that  those  who  wor- 
ship and  serve  Christ  as  God,  cannot,  consistently 
with  their  own  sentiments,  become  members  of 
their  community,  tolerate  rebellion  against  the  Lord 
of  lords,  and  defend  error  with  the  zeal  due  only 
to  truth.  Saith  not  the  rule  of  our  faith  and  prac- 
tice, "  though  we,  or  an  angel  from  heaven,  preach 
"  any  other  gospel  unto  you  than  that  which  we 
*  have  preached  unto  you,  let  him  be  accursed  ?" 
4i  For  many  deceivers  are  entered  into  the  world, 
H  who  confess  not  that  Jesus  Christ  is  come  in  the 

*<  flesh. Whosoever  transgresseth,  and  abideth 

;i  not  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  hath  not  God.  He 
'  that  abideth  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  he  hath 
if  both  the  Father  and  the  Son.  If  there  come  any 


-2U 

*  ttnto  you,  and  bring  not  this  doctrine,  receive  him 
"  not  into  your  house,  neither  bid  him  God  speed  : 
"  for  he  that  biddeth  him  God  speed,  is  partaker  of 
"  his  evil  deeds."  What  person,  who  religiously 
receives  these  words  of  God,  can  be  expected,  by 
any  but  one  beside  himself,  to  have  fellowship  with 
the  enemies  of  the  cross  of  Christ  ? 

Concerning  him,  who  goeth  about  like  a  roaring 
lion,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour,  unbelievers  en- 
tertain false  imaginations.  By  some  wonderful  ma- 
gic they  have  deprived  Satan  cf  his  disposition  and 
power  to  do  injury.  The  murderer,  from  the  be- 
ginning, has  become  so  much  the  friend  of  souls, 
that  he  is  willing  to  go  into  banishment :  and  of 
course  these  deluded  persons  have  ordered  the  name 
of  devil  to  be  expunged  from  the  holy  Scriptures* 
Now,  believers  are  not  to  resist  the  devil,  because 
he  has  become  a  phantom :  and  should  Paul  again  at- 
tempt to  deliver  an  excommunicated  person  to  Sa- 
tan, that  he  might  learn  not  to  blaspheme,  he  would 
deliver  him  to  a  large  black  picture  in  the  child's 
"  hieroglyphical  bible  ;"  for  other  devils,  according 
to  mo  dern  Socinianism,  exist  not- 

Such  are  the  false  imaginations  of  maniacs! 
Alas  !  such  are  the  false  imaginations  of  impenitent 
sinners ! 

II.  Maniacs  often  argue  sagaciously  from  false 
princfples ;  and  so  do  the  enemies  of  Christianity. 
Falsehood  is  often  the  foundation  of  ingenious  specu- 
lation. The  lunatic  receives  it  for  truth  that  he  is 
an  emperor,  and  then  reasons  very  correctly,  that  you 
ought  to  pay  him  the  homage  due  to  imperial  digni* 


286 

xy.  Were  his  first  principle  true,  his  inference 
would  be  just.  The  deluded  person,  who  thought 
himself  glass,  argued  rationally,  that  great  care  was 
necessary  to  pre?ent  his  being  dashed  into  pieces. 
In  the  same  manner  the  impenitent  evince,  that  they 
are  beside  themselves. 

"  Humanity  is  not  depraved/'  say  they,  and  of 
course  infer,  that  regeneration  is  an  idle  dream ;  that 
the  unsanctified  children  of  wrath,  have  by  nature 
very  evangelical  minds*,  and  are  prepared  for  the 
enjoyment  of  a  holy  God  in  heaven.  All  impeni- 
tent sinners  do  not  reason  from  the  same  principles  ; 
but  like  natural  maniacs,  each  has  his  peculiar  chain 
of  argumentation ;  each,  his  own  vein  of  madness. 
One  takes  it  for  granted,  that  the  everlasting  pun- 
ishment of  the  wicked  is  inconsistent  with  the  di- 
vine attributes ;  and  consequently  deduces  this  in- 
ference, that  no  one  shall  depart  accursed,  to  suffer 
the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire.  It  should  first  be 
proved  that  God  is  too  good  to  be  just ;  too  kind  to 
execute  his  awful  threatenings  ;  and  so  merciful,  that 
he  cannot  pardon  one  rebel,  without  teaching,  that 
the  law  never  had  a  penalty,  and  that  "  iisli's  broad 
path  leads  round  to  heaven's  doorf ." 

A  second  person,  who  is  beside  himself,  receives 
it  as  an  established  truth,  that  God  has  never  made 
a  revelation  to  man ;  and  therefore  infers,  that  all 


*  A  young  clergyman  was  present,  who  preteuds  that  he  was 
once  a  Calvinist.  He  was  asked  if  his  wife  was  hopefully  pi- 
ous,  and  his  answer  was,  "  why,  she  always  had  by  nature  a 
very  evangelical  mind." 

f  Triumph  of  Infidelity, 


the  promises,  denunciations,  precepts,  parables  and 
histories  of  the  Bible,  constitute  "  a  tale  of  other 
times.' ' 

A  thirt:  madman  is  confident,  that  there  is  no  fu- 
ture state  of  existence,  and  hence  argues  that  he 
has  nothing  to  hope,  nothing  to  fear,  beyond  the 
grave.  He  is  rational  in  refusing  to  ask,  "  what 
shall  I  do  to  be  saved  ?"  He  exclaims,  "  let  me  en- 
joy myself  to-day ;  to-morrow  I  die  :  and  let  eterni- 
ty take  care  of  itself." 

Here  is  the  mischief.  Sinners  attempt  to  suspend 
a  chain  from  heaven,  without  making  fast  the  first 
link;  to  build  a  temple  of  happiness,  without  laying 
the  foundation;  to  enter  the  celestial  abodes,  without 
passing  through  the  only  possible  avenue.  Christ 
is  the  door  :  but  with  frantic  joy,  they  are  climbing 
up  some  other  way. 

A  fourth  says,  "  the  way  of  transgressors  is  not 
hard.  It  will  not  lead  to  misery."  It  follows,  then, 
that  he  may  safely  persevere  in  enmity  to  God. 
Every  enemy  of  the  cross  of  Christ  is  arguing,  in 
some  manner,  from  false  principles,  to  convince  him- 
self, that  he  is  in  a  state  of  peace,  safety,  and  felici- 
ty. He  deceives  himself.  He  loves  the  delusion. 
Is  not  this  person  beside  himself? 

III.  Maniacs  are  often  supremely  attached  to 
trifles  ;  and  so  are  all  unbelievers.  You,  who  have 
been  personally  acquainted  with  the  unhappy  beings, 
who  are  deranged  in  mind,  may  have  heard  them 
rant  for  hours,  about  some  little  injury  which  had 
being  only  in  imagination :  or  you  may  have  seen 
them  weary  themselves  to  catch  what  existed  only 


287 

in  a  madman's  eye.  Early  and  late  each  lunatic 
thinks  and  speaks  upon  the  favourite  theme  ;  when 
it  is  of  no  importance.  Many  of  these  people  fill 
their  abodes  with  feathers,  sticks,  straws,  and  bones, 
and  dote  upon  them,  as  an  antiquary  upon  his  cabi- 
net of  curiosities,  or  a  miser  upon  his  treasures. 

So  frantic  are  they,  in  their  attachment  to  trifles, 
that  they  deny  themselves  necessary  food  to  acquire 
them. 

The  Christian  Poet  has  admirably  described  one 
of  these  wretched  beings. 


And  now  she  roams 


•'  The  dreary  waste  ;  there  spends  the  livelong  day, 

"  And  there,  unless  when  charity  forhids, 

"  The  livelong  night.''    ■ 

-t*  ______ ___ — ———————— 

44  She  begs  an  idle  pin  of  all  she  meets, 
**  And  hoards  them  in  her  sleeve ;  hut  needful  food, 
"  Though  press'd  with  hunger  oft,  or  comelier  clothes, 
"  Though  pinch'd  with  cold,  asks  never."— 

Copper, 


In  like  manner,  -the  wicked  are  madly  fond  of 
pebble  stones  and  shells.  They  love  dress,  houses, 
gardens,  equipages,  entertainments,  and  the  fashion- 
able amusements  of  the  metropolis,  more  than  the 
immortal  soul.  They  ask  an  "  idle  pin,"  a  little 
temporal  pleasure,  of  all  they  meet ;  but  never  pray, 
"  Lord,  give  us  everlasting  life."  "  "Who  will 
show  us  any  worldly  good  Vs  is  their  cry  ;  and  not 
this,  "  Lord,  lift  upon  us  the  light  of  thy  count/  • 


286 

Impenitent  sinners !  your  daily  conversation  and 
conduct  prove  you  guilty  of  this  delirium.  You 
rave  against  the  cheat,  who  defrauds  you  of  a  shil- 
ling ;  but  feel  no  indignation  against  that  aggregate 
of  iniquity,  which  made  it  necessary  for  the  Son  of 
God  to  die.  The  Scriptures  demand,  "  ought  not 
Christ  to  have  suffered  these  things ;"  "  to  have 
shed  his  blood  for  the  remission  of  sins  ?"  and  you 
reply,  "  we  see  in  man  nothing  exceedingly  sinful ; 
and  instead  of  condemning  we  pity  his  imperfec- 
tions, incidental  to  humanity.  We  trust  a  little  dis- 
cipline  will  reclaim  and  rectify  him:  and  prepare 
him  to  enjoy  a  holy  heaven,  a  holy  God  !"  Should 
any  one  touch  your  property,  or  lift  up  his  little 
iinger  against  your  fame,  you  would  swell  with  re- 
sentment ;  but  let  any  one  soothe  your  disturbed 
conscience  by  bland  expressions,  or  by  some  pleas- 
ing illusion  beguile  you  of  heaven,  and  with  a  lunat- 
ic's good  nature,  you  bless  the  destroying,  the  ac- 
cursed companion.  "You  love  to  have  your  atten- 
tion fixed  to  your  favourite  toys :  you  smile,  if  any 
one  counts  the  number  of  your  brass  pins,  or  ad- 
mires the  elegance  of  your  mansion :  but  if  any 
faithful  friend  urges  you  to  be  clothed  with  Christ's 
righteousness ;  to  be  fed  with  the  bread  of  life,  in- 
stead of  starving  on  husks  ;  to  be  comforted  with 
the  consolations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  you  turn  away 
in  disdain,  or  gnash  your  teeth  in  resentment.  You 
shun  him  who  would  bring  you  to  your  senses  ;  and 
court  his  society,  who  cherishes  all  your  hopes  of 
sublunary  bliss.  Your  affections  have  never  beer; 
set  on  heavenly  things.     They  are  given  to  phsuv 


£89 

toms.  You  retire  to  rest  with  a  novel  for  your 
prayer-book,  or  awake  and  consult  your  ledger  as 
the  oracle  of  God. 

IV.  Maniacs  are  commonly  their  own  worst  ene- 
mies ;  and  so  are  all  the  opposers  of  Christianity. 
You  know,  my  hearers,  that  the  delirious  even  hang, 
or  starve,  or  drown  themselves.  What  produces 
his  agony  who  is  foaming  with  madness  ?  His  own 
imagination.  Look  at  the  demoniac  among  the 
tombs.  Who  injured  his  body  in  this  dreadful 
manner  ?     He  mangled  his  own  flesh  with  stones. 

Who,  now,  occasions  the  sinner's  destruction  ?  It 
is  not  God  ;  for  he  says,  "  as  I  live,  I  have  no  plea- 
sure in  the  death  of  the  sinner."  It  is  not  the 
adversary  ;  for  he  can  only  tempt  and  accuse. 
He  has  not  the  power  of  compulsion.  "  O  Israel, 
thou  hast  destroyed  thyself."  "  They  that  ob- 
serve lying  vanities  forsake  their  own  mercy." 

Every  one  who  dies  in  unbelief,  brings  ruin  upon 
his  own  head.  Who  causes  this  starving  wretch's 
hunger  ?  A  feast  is  made  ready :  he  is  solicited  to 
attend :  but  he  refuses  :  he  had  rather  perish,  than 
live  upon  the  clemency  of  God.  Who  exposes  the 
bedlamite  to  the  chill  blasts  of  winter  ?  He  will 
not  receive  clothing  from  the  wardrobe  of  heaven. 
Who  consigns  the  ungodly  to  misery  ?  They  are 
madly  bent  on  destruction.  O  sinner,  thou  art  be- 
side thyself. 

V.  Maniacs  are  insensible  to  imminent  danger ; 
and  so  are  the  enemies  of  the  cross  of  Christ. 
They  will  laugh  while  exposed  to  shipwreck,  sleep 
on  a  precipice,  or  cast  stones  at  the  lightnings  of 

25 


290 

Jehovah.  When  the  wicked  are  warned,  they  mock 
at  peril.  While  the  deluge  hangs  over  them,  they 
insult  the  preacher  of  righteousness.  When  the 
Lord  cometh  out  of  his  place,  to  shake  terribly  the 
earth,  they  are  unmoved.  Altnough  it  is  said,  "  if 
any  man  love  not  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  let  him 
be  anathema,  maranatha,"  let  him  be  consigned  to 
eternal  perdition,  when  the  Lord  shall  come  to  judg- 
ment, yet  they  have  no  apprehension  of  danger. 
Some  are  so  hardy,  as  to  defy  the  Lord,  saying, 
"  who  is  the  Almighty,  that  we  should  fear  him ; 
or  his  Son,  that  we  should  adore  him  ?" 

The  sinner  is  at  sea,  in  a  leaky  bark.  Over  him 
the  clouds  are  full  of  Sinai's  thunder.  The  storm 
begins  to  descend;  but  he  has  no  anxiety.  One 
would  think  he  had  Almighty  power  to  inspire  him 
with  such  confidence.  He  seems  to  slumber,  in  fuD 
persuasion  that  he  shall  awake  in  season,  command 
the  winds  and  waves  to  obey  him,  and  instantly  ar- 
rive at  the  desired  haven.  He  neither  examines 
his  chart,  nor  puts  forth  an  oar,  but  is  tossed  hither 
and  thither  by  every  wind  of  doctrine;  is  borne 
aloft  on  the  surges  which  challenge  the  tempest ; 
and  then  sinks  down  to  the  sides  of  the  pit.  In 
Such  a  situation  he  slumbers,  or  awakes  to  sing, 

"  Of  love's  soft  anguish,  and  of  grief  supreme*  ;'* 

imagines  that  the  sea  of  life  is  calm,  and  believes 
himself  secure  of  a  protracted  time  for  repentance, 
because  "  his  bosom,"  sportive,  dances  "  to  nature's 
boundless  charms" 

*  Falcgppr* 


291 

He  feels  secure ;  but  when  mercy  no  longer 
pleads  forbear,  he  will  sink  into  the  bottomless  abyss, 
and  find  that  vengeance  belongs  to  the  character  of 
a  benevolent  Deity. 

Lastly.  Maniacs  cannot  be  convinced  that  they 
are  beside  themselves.  Neither  can  the  impenitent. 
Indeed,  nothing  enrages  a  madman  more,  than  to 
tell  him  seriously,  and  affectionately,  that  he  is  un- 
der the  guidance  of  a  distempered  mind.  In  a  rage 
too,  impenitent  sinners  accuse  the  ministers,  people, 
and  word  of  God,  of  madness.  Who  was  he  that 
said,  "  Because  I  tell  you  the  truth,  ye  believe  me 
not  ?"  It  was  the  God  who  dwelt  among  us.  "  S6 
then,  I  have  become  your  enemy,"  exclaimed  an 
apostle,  "  because  I  tell  you  the  truth!" *  We 
need  no  other  evidence  that  "  madness  is  in  their 
heart  while  they  live"  Of  all  sin,  the  pious  Newton 
has  well  said, 

"  'Tis  palsy,  plague  and  fever, 
*.*  And  madness  all  combinM  ; 
"  And  none  but  a  believer 
u  The  least  relief  can  find." 

To  those,  who  confess  the  insanity  of  sin  and  the 
madness  of  unbelief,  God  has  given  the  spirit  of 
power,  and  of  love,  and  of  a  sound  mind.  Other 
persons  are  prevented  by  their  delirium  of  sic* 
from  perceiving  that  they  are  poor,  miserable,  blind 
and  naked ;  and  that  they  take  the  most  effectual 
measures  to  exclude  relief. 

*  Macknight's  Translation. 


292 

Let  the  sons  of  pleasure,  the  men  of  science,  the 
fair,  the  honourable,  and  the  mighty  of  this  world, 
consider  these  things.  Especially  let  those  who 
profess  to  preach  Christ,  and  preach  him  not,  reflect 
that  of  all  insane  persons  they  are  the  most  danger- 
ous and  culpable.  To  be  a  mad  teacher  of  madmen, 
an  insane  physician  of  lunatics,  a  blind  leader  of 

the  blind "  O  my  soul,  come  not  thou 

into  their  secret ;  unto  their  assembly  mine  honour 
be  not  thou  united !" 

It  should  be  had  in  everlasting  remembrance, 
that  concerning  some  it  is  written,  because  they  re- 
ceive not  the  love  of  the  truth,  "  for  this  cause  God 
shall  send  them  strong  delusion,  that  they  should  be» 
lieve  a  lie :  that  they  all  might  be  damned  who  be- 
lieved not  the  truth,  but  had  pleasure  in  unrighteous* 


INDEX. 


A  p*€e 

ACTORS  of  a  tragical  farce,  24 

Address,  New- Year's,  of  a  prisoner,  231 

Agony  of  a  dying  widow,  21 

Almshouse,  preacher's  introduction  to,  14.  52 

general  observations  on  the,  85,  86.  131 

extract  of  a  letter  on  the,  146 

foundation  of  the  new,  146 

Atmosphere  of  the  Almshouse  odious,  83.  85 

Assistance  by  Mrs.  J.  B.  R.  and  Mrs.  P.  W.    200 
Aslyum  for  lunatics,  23 

for  outcast  females,  75 

A T ,  a  Scotch  girl,     183,  184,  185.  203 

A W ,  a  stolen  country  girl,     91.  94.  104. 

103.  120.  149 
Avarice,  the  curse  of,  239 

B 

B B Mrs.  account  of,  22.  27.  30 

B e,  Mr.  account  of,  112,  113 

B Mrs.  clothes  procured  by,  193 

Bedrid  hearers  of  the  gospel,  30.  55.  99 

Beggars,  street,  not  objects  of  charity,  34 

Benevole?ice  distinguished  from  sympathy,     33,  34 
Bible,  anecdote  concerning  the,  101 

Bibles  distributed  to  the  poor,  64 

*  25 


294 

Blind  persons  descending  the  stairs,  31 

Blind  Mary  L^^'s  desire  to  see,  38 

Blind  woman  offended  with  Mr.  B.  52 

Boy,  a  defenceless,  187.198 

Boys  in  the  Almshouse,  53.  89.  90 

Bridewell,  two  convicts  visited  in,        25.  36,  37.  45 

too  narrow  for  its  inhahitants,  75 

another  convict  visited  in,  233 

C 
CATHOLIC,  Roman,  visited,  128,  129,  130 

Caroline,  139.  154.  161.  167.  171.  176.  187.  195. 

214.  216,  217.  221,  222 
Child  deserted  at  the  gate,  76 

C O account  of,  1 14.  127 

Clinton,  De  Witt,  passing  sentence,  162 

Commencement  of  preaching  in  the  Hospital,  13 
Communion  of  saints  of  different  denominations,  39 
Conclusion,  270 

Consumption,  a  sailor  sick  with  the,  207 

Consolation  of  an  old  procuress,  94 

Contentions  among  the  poor,  for  the  word,  30 

Convictions  renewed  in  an  aged  woman,  1 6 

Crabbe's  account  of  Richard  Monday,  90 

Crocker,  M    Henry,  gratitude  to,  91 

Curse  of  avarice,  239 

D 
Daughters  of  faithful  Sarah,  80 

Death  of  an  Episcopalian,  20.  171.   186 

of  a  Spaniard,  164 

a  daily  visitor  at  the  H.  and  A.  74.  21 1 

Deserted  Irish  mother,  95,  96.  201 

- girl  and  babe,  204 


295 

£)##%,  death  of  a  drunkard,  22 

Discarded  female  of  family,  26 

the  death  of  a,  28 

Despondency,  the  common  cause  of,  113 

Door-keeper  of  a  Church,  185 

Dorcas  Society,  account  of,  137 

Drunkard,  horrible  death  of  a,  22.  111.  113 

Drunkenness  produces  insanity,  249 

E 

E C ,  Mrs.  account  of,  151 

E C r,  Mrs.  179 

Emotions  of  visitors  at  the  Almshouse,  30 

rendered  obtuse  by  repetition,  30 

English  Blood,  who  forsook  his  wife,  133.  139.  153 
Exchange  without  profit,  103 

Execution  of  convicts,  46 

F 
FAMILIES,  severally  visited,  29.  50.  77.  80. 188. 

233 
Falsehood  distinguished  from  a  lie,  44 

Feeling  without  religion,  33 

Filial  fear  and  slavish  dread,  36 

Fire,  great,  on  the  19th  of  May,  97.  103 

Fluctuation  of  the  audience  in  the  H.  and  A.       56 
Friday,  an  idiot  deserted,  76 

Frost,  death  occasioned  by,  21 

G 
GEORGE,  Blind,  account  of,  27.  52.  63.  67.  104. 

130 

presented  with  a  book,  38 

furnished  with  a  suitable  dress,         103 

— — —  sick,  and  restored  to  health,  209 


•296 

George,  Mr.  Joseph,  his  exertion?,  219 

Gospel,  when  another  is  advocated,  40 

. ,  gratitude  of  the  poor  for  the,     14.  63.  133 

G*****,  Mrs.  an  aged  Dorcas,  70 

H 
HEARERS  brought  into  the  preacher's  pre- 
sence, 95 
Hospital  neat  and  well  managed,  90 
Hume's  mother,  anecdote  of,  41 
Hymn  Books  distributed,                    37.  46.  58.  63 

for  the  Dorcas  society,  137 

— ~  sung  in  the  Magdalen  Hospital,  1 67 
Hymns  committed  to  memory,        80.  97.  110.  123 

I 

INCONTINENCE  the  cause  of  madness,  256 

Inducement  to  immigrate  to  America,  96 

Infants,  their  death  considered,  201 

Iiifidels,  anecdotes  of,       40, 41,  42.  172.  174.  184. 

259.  262 

Insane  persons  rarely  capable  of  instruction,  83 

Insanity,  several  causes  of,  235 

of  an  Irish  Farmer,  217 

by  the  loss  of  twenty  dollars,  236 

occasioned  by  vicious  company,  238 

. the  curse  of  avarice,  239 

caused  by  disappointment,  241 

■ caused  by  drunkenness,  249 

— produced  by  novels,  250 

by  reading  by  a  fire,  252 

■ by  slavery,  253 

■ by  incontinence,  256 

by  infidelity,  259. 262 


29  7 

Intemperance,  death  by, 
Irish  Church,  lectures  in, 
Irishmen,  two  amiable, 
Irish  mother  very  young, 

wife  deserted  to  poverty, 

J 
JARVIS,  Captain, 
J B a  man  in  despair, 

J-      j.  J a  man  of  colour, 

Journey  to  find  Caroline's  mother, 

J R an  old  sailor,  124.  127 

Justification,  some  account  of, 
Judgment,  the  general, 

L 
LETTER  to  Nicholas  Roome,  Esq, 

m> Rev.  John  Stanford, 

— Mrs.  M S 11, 

Caroline, 


—  from  P —  G —  a  dying  sailor 


22 

in 

105, 

,  130 

157 

204 

95, 

,  201 

128,  129. 

,  130 

1£7.  109. 

113. 

117. 

124 

117 

220 

.  143.  164, 

,165 

29. 

11» 

142 

230 

231 

177. 

203 

195. 

213 

;  sailor, 

226 

Lecture  room  of  the  Churchman,        100.  104,  105 

L se,  old  Mr.  account  of,  119.  126 

L#*##,  Miss,  account  of,  23,  24.  30.  54.  82 

Lock  hospital  for  females,  75 

M 
MAGDALEN  Hospital  of  London,  75.  168 

the  name  of,  abused,  93 

Asylum  desired,  75.91.168 

Society  of  New-York  founded,  221 

M B account  of,  108.  120.  149.  182.  186 

Mc.  Donald,  a  prisoner,  1 90 

-  "■  ■'""■   '■  copy  of  his  poetry,  1 9 1 .  1 93; 


298 

Maniac's  Creed,  ^59 

M D ,  account  of,         57.  59.  65.  74.  149 

180.  186 
Memory  of  an  aged  woman,  35.  38 

Men,  several  aged,  frl 

M 's,  Dr.  sermon  and  opinion,  67 

M Mrs.  a  German  woman,  110 

M S Mrs,  an  Episcopalian,         160.  172 

168.  198. 
Mutual  obligation  and  provocation,  50,  51 

N 
NEAL,  Richard,  man  of  colour,  165.  205 

Novels  dangerous  to  weak  mi, ids,  250 

Number  of  services  performed,  91.  167.  228 

Nurses,  several  pious  and  attentive,  57-  211 

O 
OBSERVATIONS  on  Charity  Schools,  208 

. — on  the  Almshouse,       85.  131 

Occum,  Samson,  anecdote  of,  41 

O-^ P 's  address,  231 

Osborne,  Dr.  J.  C's.  kindness,  219 

P 
PAUPER,  a  crazy  one,  dying,  205 

Perseverance  in  seeking  for  a  book,  55.  57, 

P ,  twice  fallen  into,  104.  216 

P G account  of,     223.  226,  227,  228 

Premonitions  of  death,  264 

Prices  of  job-work,  33 

Prostitutes,  multitudes  of,  75 

Progression  to  an  awful  pitch  in  sin,  209 

P       ■     tj  Dr.  donation,  conversation,  &c.  97.  210 

211,  212 


291 

Punishment  of  infidelity,  262 

P — ■ W Mrs.  assistance  by,  200 

R 

READING,  imprudent,  the  effect  of,  250.  252 

R Dr.  exchange  with,  151 

Rebecca,  some  account  of,  187.  198,  199.  211 

Rheumatism,  widow  afflicted  with,  105 

Reluctance  at  entering  the  Almshouse,  1 9 

Repentance,  evangelical,  defined,  141 

S 

SAILOR,  insane,  who  cut  his  throat,  222.  224 

,  from  Salem,  Massachusetts,  225 

Sally,  Blind,  account  of,  51 
Scotch  girl  seduced,                              182.  185.  203 

Scotchman,  conversation  with  a,  88 

Servant  of  Mr.  P R >  170.  1 75 

Sermon  on  maniacs,  273 

Shoemaker,  the  benevolence  of  a  poor,  173 

Slavery,  the  cause  of  madness,  253 

Smoaking  offensive  to  a  young  man,  15 

Sofa,  a  blind  German  woman,  84.  203 
Soldier,  sick,  female  friends  of  a,      70,  71.  78.  121. 

203 

Speechless  man,  death  of,  1 8 

woman,           ■      ,  156 

Stanford,  Rev.  John,  lines  to,  229 

Substitution  explained,  117 

Sympathy,  the  power  of,  32 

T 

T APPEN,  Inderwick  and  Anderson,  1 97 

Tiger,  a  man  injured  by  a,  54 

T            b  J— — s,  a  miner,  152 


800 

Tithing  man  of  great  service,  &c.  84 

T.  S.  C an  old  traveller,  145.  153. 171 

T T the  plundered  brewer,  99 

U 
UTILITY  of  parochial  visits,  136 

V 


VACATION  in  the  preacher's  services, 

131 

Vicious  cempany  dangerous, 

238 

Visit,  a  very  pretty  one  from, 

29 

Visits  to  the  respective  wards,     106, 

107. 

167.  22S 

W 

WEAK  preachers  unfit  for  prisons, 

233 

Welsh  woman,  account  of, 

17.  58 

Widow,  pious,  on  crutches, 

21 

— ,  visited  by  the  Rev.  Mr. — — 

29.  50 

-,  industrious  with  1 0  children,  33 

-,  having  a  white  swelling,  88 

-,  Webb,  aged  103  years,  35.  37.  81 

.,  visited  at  the  request  of  Mrs.  P.  R.      188 

- Mrs.  B— n,     233 


Widow's  Society,  a  member  of,  28.  50,  51 

_ •*  bounty  rewarded,  72,  73 

"Wm.  H on  account  of.  127,  129^ 

Wm.  Mc.  D blind,  150 

Woman  of  colour  mangled,  45. 54.  61 

W R a  blind  boy,  t59.  62.  64.  68 


